The orders, placed by Switzerland and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) on behalf of Germany, Poland, Belgium and Denmark, cover APEX combat ammunition and ballistically matched target practice rounds with Reduced Ricochet Risk (RRR) capabilities. Production is set to begin in 2026, with deliveries planned over the following two to three years.
The APEX combat ammunition, designed for the F-35’s GAU-22/A cannon, is expected to play a key role in strengthening NATO’s fighter fleet capabilities well into the future. The round unites armour-piercing, explosive effects and tracer in one projectile, offering high accuracy, extended range and effectiveness against both air and ground targets.
“The APEX is recognised as the most capable aircraft gun ammunition ever fielded, with its proven capabilities over a wide spectrum of threats,” Nammo said. The ammunition’s unique tracer function also provides air policing capabilities not available with other F-35 ammunition.
“These latest orders underscore Nammo’s commitment as a trusted supplier of cutting edge capabilities when it counts, and the demonstrated effectiveness against today´s and tomorrow´s threats, sets it truly apart,” said Anders Nyhus, Director Medium Caliber Ammunition of Nammo’s Small and Medium Caliber business unit.
Nammo has collaborated closely with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (FMA) and the Norwegian Defence Research Establishment (FFI), investing extensively in research, development, testing and qualification to secure flight clearance for the F-35A. The 25 mm TP-RRR PGU-51/B and 25 mm TP-T RRR PGU-52/B provide cost-efficient training with enhanced safety features.
The new contracts follow the first major agreement for this advanced ammunition type, signed with Australia last year.
