The US Navy has awarded a contract to Alliant Techsystems (ATK) to produce mk318 5.56mm and mk319 7.62mm-calibre cartridges.

Under the $5.8m contract, the company will supply the 5.56mm and 7.62mm products that will be fitted to the new special operations combat assault rifle (SCAR) weapon system.

SCAR has been developed by Fabrique Nationale Herstal as part of the US Special Operations Command special operations forces combat assault rifle programme.

The ammunition supplied under the contract is also compatible with existing 5.56mm and 7.62mm weapons systems and utilises ATK’s unique barrier defeat projectile that ensures proper functioning of the system through barriers commonly encountered in warfare.

Production of the cartridges will be carried out in Anoka, Minnesota.