Nammo opens Australia subsidiary

RAUFOSS, Norway, Feb. 3 (UPI) -- A Norway ammunition manufacturer has established an Australian subsidiary to serve the country's military.

Nammo said the move will also help expand industrial ventures throughout the region.

"The decision to set up a permanent full-time presence in Australia is a firm sign of Nammo's commitment to the Australian customer -- the intention is to provide the customer with a single, dedicated point of contact from the time of initial enquiry all the way through to order delivery," said Ola Skrivervik, senior vice president of Business Development for the Nammo Group.

"Additionally, the new office will work to foster stronger industrial ties in the region."

Norway is one of the countries involved in the funding and development of Lockheed Martin's F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter and Nammo, with Norwegian government backing, is developing special 25mm Armor Piercing and Explosive ammunition for the aircraft.

"The APEX ammunition that Nammo has developed for the F-35 is an evolution beyond our successful multipurpose concept," said Rob Wellwood, managing director of the newly established Nammo Australia Pty Ltd.

"Extensive testing of the APEX round has already shown its superior effectiveness against both soft and hard targets; something that's incredibly important for the F-35 system and its limited ammunition storage capacity."