The DGA has awarded a contract to support the development of the KATANA guided ammunition, which was initiated by KNDS France. KATANA meets the pressant need for high-precision artillery ammunition in both low and high intensity warfare: its performance limits collateral damage in urban areas and enables dealing more effectively with high value targets such as artillery systems, radars or command posts.
According to KNDS France, the KATANA guided ammunition has unrivalled in Europe accuracy and target neutralization capacities. KNDS France is thus expanding its product range and becoming one of the few manufacturers to master all existing types of artillery ammunition.
The modular design of KATANA means that it can evolve to integrate new technologies as soon as they are available on the market (particularly for use in GNSS denied environments). Its modularity also means that local components can be integrated as part of a production transfer, making it easy to export.
During recent firing campaigns, KATANA demonstrated accuracy of just a few metres, thanks in particular to a global navigation satellite system coupled with an inertial unit. With the support of the French defence procurement agency (DGA), evaluation of the ammunition’s ability to withstand various forms of jamming began in 2024.
The ammunition is armed by a multi-mode fuse that modulates the terminal effects according to the target and its level of protection. These capabilities mean that the ammunition has to incorporate high-performance electronics designed to withstand extreme acceleration and shock.
KATANA can now be fired at full charge, enabling it to achieve the maximum range of a 155mm 52-calibre gun like the CAESAR. Plus, KATANA is note a sub-calibre ammunition, making it the best solution on the market to ensure a significant terminal effect due to its powerful warhead.
The KATANA ammunition is currently at the demonstrator level (TRL6). It will be offered for sale within the next two years, KNDS France said in a statement.
