BAE Systems and Repkon USA sign MOU on advanced and mass-produced munitions

105 mm artillery shells under production at BAE Systems' Glascoed plant in Wales, UK. (BAE Systems)

BAE Systems and Repkon USA have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) covering increased production capacity for existing ammunition types and the development and manufacture of advanced munitions, a BAE Systems representative told Janes on 26 March.

The two companies are looking to explore together ways to improve the range, precision, and performance of ammunition. By facilitating the sharing of technology and manufacturing expertise, they hope to simplify and accelerate processes to rapidly scale up the manufacture of propellants and explosives to meet increased global demand.

With experience in making gun barrel, warhead, and shell body production lines, Repkon USA, a subsidiary of Türkiye-based Repkon, markets itself as a provider of metal forming machines and complete production plants for the metal forming sector.

Bryan Van Brunt, president of Repkon USA, said that the aim of the agreement is “to provide our customers with access to the most advanced, next-generation technologies”, adding that “the approach incorporates advanced manufacturing techniques”.

The BAE representative said that while “the partnership is not factory or site specific”, it could cover all their munitions products from shells to missiles, including its Next Generation Adaptable Ammunition (NGAA).

Designed to replace the British Army's ageing L15 family of ammunition, BAE Systems presented its NGAA concept at the DSEI 2023 defence exhibition. The concept revolves around simplifying production and logistics by having a standard universal projectile design that can be configured at scale: such as base bleed (BB), boat tail (BT), or rocket assisted projectile (RAP).