General Dynamics [GD] Ordnance and Tactical Systems this week said it has reached a milestone: producing one billion rounds of ammunition in support of the Army’s Second Source Small Caliber Ammunition program.
In August 2005, the Army awarded General Dynamics a five-year contract to produce various types of 5.56mm, 7.62mm and .50 caliber ammunition (Defense Daily, Aug. 24, 25, 2005).
The contract established General Dynamics as a second-source prime contractor overseeing a consortium of worldwide small-caliber ammunition producers. This expanded the Army’s small caliber production base.
Managed by the Army Project Manager–Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM-MAS), the Small Caliber Second Source program was part of a strategy developed by PM-MAS to acquire small caliber ammunition and address the critical demand during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom.
The award to General Dynamics was part of the strategy. Other steps included awarding a contract to ATK [ATK] for 1.2 billion cartridges, with more contracts to come. The Army also increased total capacity at the Lake City Army Ammunition Plant, managed by ATK, to 1.5 billion rounds. The strategy also provided the ability to surge production, if needed.
“This is a significant milestone for General Dynamics and our U.S. Army customer. The Small Caliber Second Source program served a vital role in meeting the urgent needs of our warfighters, and it continues to enable the combat readiness of our U.S. Armed Forces,” said Steve Torma, vice president of small-caliber ammunition.