New infantry weapon to deliver a more precise capability

[Anth]

A £40m contract to deliver the Anti-Structures Munition, a new shoulder-launched weapon which will allow the British infantry to defeat hardened structures such as buildings or bunkers more precisely and safely, and without recourse to artillery or air support, has been awarded to Dynamit Nobel Defence, Minister for Defence Procurement Lord Drayson announced on 6 February 2006.

The Anti-Structures Munition does not replace a weapon system currently in service, but adds a potent new capability to the Infantry's arsenal, which has already been enhanced through programmes to provide night sights, under-slung grenade launchers and the state of the art SA80A2 assault rifle.
Lord Drayson said:

"I am pleased to announce the award of the contract for the demonstration and manufacture of the Anti-Structures Munition to Dynamit Nobel Defence. The contract is valued at £40m and includes provision of combat weapons, training systems and contractor logistic support for the first five years.

"The Anti-Structures Munition will provide our Armed Forces with a new capability. It will enable our infantry to more precisely defeat hardened structures such as buildings or bunkers - improving the safety of UK forces, reducing the danger to civilians in the area and the damage caused to neighbouring buildings.

"It is essential that we provide our Armed Forces with the tools they need to get the job done as safely, precisely and quickly as possible. This munition will help do just that."

Dynamit Nobel Defence was selected following a rigorous competition which included full test firings of the weapon and soldier trials.
The system is planned to be in service by the end of 2009

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