Eurosatory 2018: Nexter's new KATANA 155 mm smart ammunition appears.

Nexter, a company of KNDS, presents KATANA, the latest in 155 mm ammunition at Eurosatory 2018. Nexter, through its Ammunition Business Unit (Nexter Munitions, Mecar and Simmel Difesa), is one of European’s leaders in the field of ammunition. Through an ambitious R&D policy, lasting several years, the group now offers one of the most comprehensive ranges of highly technological ammunition.

A mock up of Nexter Munitions' new KATANA 155 mm guided ammunition

The KATANA ammunition can be fired from all 52 caliber artillery systems, while retaining the traditional artillery qualities: continuous fire, all-weather capability, high cost/efficiency ratio. Thanks to its specific architecture, KATANA can be used for close support and will treat all types of targets thanks to its multi-mode rocket, which is programmable to operate by proximity, impact, or with delay: allowing the penetration of the military payload.

With a maximum range between 30 km for the first generation and 60 km for the next, KATANA will strike targets with pinpoint precision. The projectile's guidance is ensured by a hybridisation between a GNSS signal receiver and an inertial measurement unit. In the future, metre scale precision will be accessible through the addition of an optional semi-active laser distance gauge.

Thus, KATANA shells will offer the best performance in range, accuracy and terminal effect for existing 155 mm ammunition. With KATANA munitions, Nexter has a full range of 155 mm projectiles, compatible with current and future artillery systems.