BAE makes available its 7.62mm high-performance bullet

LONDON, June 13 (UPI) -- BAE Systems says its latest 7.62mm High Performance round, used by the British military, is now available for other approved military customers.

The 7.62mm HP significantly increases the ability to defeat lightly protected vehicles and aircraft at increased ranges compared with standard NATO rounds.

The ammunition was developed under a partnering agreement between Britain's Ministry of Defense and BAE Systems and is now in full production. The British military has used it since 2015.

"BAE Systems has a long history of innovation in the UK and the 7.62mm HP round is further evidence of our achievement." Said Jennifer Osbaldestin, managing director of BAE Systems Land. "It is the result of hard work, industry-leading engineering skills and a close partnership with the MOD."

The new bullet incorporates a hardened steel tip, a longer bullet profile and upgraded propellant for improved penetration through hardened targets and greater accuracy. In testing, the round has been shown to about double the range of standard 7.62mm Ball ammunition for defeating protection commonly used in light vehicles and aircraft.

BAE Systems said it is developing a cost-reduced 7.62mm improved Ball round, which will still offer a significant improvement over standard ammunition.