Nexter, company of KNDS achieved late 2023 the qualification of its new generation 120mm APFSDS ammunition SHARD.
SHARD is the solution for all NATO 120mm tanks to defeat modern MBT and future threats thanks to an increased firepower (+15% penetration).
This unprecedented performance is the result of an innovative design that offers excellent accuracy and reduces barrel wear by 25% at the same time.
SHARD was designed by KNDS to bring 120mm APFSDS tungsten alloy ammunition to the next level of performance against all modern MBT and armoured threats in the present and future battlefields. Its capacities are unprecedented for this kind of ammunition:
- Penetration is increased by 15% while ensuring a low level of dispersion
- Barrel wear is reduced by 25%, thus reducing maintenance cycles and costs
- A muzzle velocity of 1720 m/s with the Leclerc L52 gun and 1734 m/s with the Leopard 2 L55 gun
Nexter’s historical know-how in the design of state-of-the-art tank ammunition was gathered to make SHARD with:
- A numerically optimized design and a lighter aluminum sabot
- An elongated penetrator in a new high-performance tungsten alloy has been designed with Plansee to defeat protection of latest generation MBTs
- A proven and REACH compliant propulsion system that ensures the excellent velocity of the ammunition
SHARD is a fully ITAR-free solution compatible with all NATO smoothbore 120mm tanks including Leclerc, Leopard 2, M1 Abrams, Ariete and Centauro 2. It has been designed according to the Stanag 4583 and Interface Control Document 120 (ICD120) standards. Thus, it offers significant operational, logistic and economic advantages to users: only one APFSDS ammunition for all gun systems.
A demonstration for Leclerc and Leopard 2 users was organized late 2023 in Alcochete, Portugal. Its 15% performance increase was demonstrated with successful firing tests performed on semi-infinite RHA targets. Demonstrations and contract negotiations for various countries in Europe, Middle-East and Asia are ongoing.
SHARD is now ready for mass production.
KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France.
KNDS forms a Group of around 9,000 employees, with a 2022 turnover of 3.2 billion euro, an order backlog of around 11 billion euro and incoming orders of 3.4 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment.
The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base.
KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.
