STOCKHOLM, — Sweden has signed a seven-year framework agreement with Nammo Sweden for the supply of programmable 30mm and 40mm airburst ammunition, marking another step in strengthening the country's short-range air defense and counter-unmanned aircraft system (counter-UAS) capabilities. Nammo has also received the first call-off order under the agreement, with production of the initial ammunition batch set to begin.
The agreement covers Nammo's 30mm x 113 PABEX and 40mm L/70 PABEX programmable ammunition. PABEX (Programmable AirBurst EXplosive) is designed to detonate at a pre-programmed point during flight, allowing its fragments to be concentrated around airborne targets rather than requiring a direct impact.
Designed for Air and Ground Threats
According to Nammo, the programmable rounds are designed to engage unmanned aerial systems (UAS), incoming missiles, and helicopters. The ammunition also remains effective against conventional surface and ground targets, providing greater operational flexibility for the Swedish Armed Forces.
Programmable airburst ammunition is particularly effective against small, fast-moving, or maneuvering aerial targets because it can be set to explode at a selected point near the target, increasing the likelihood of a successful engagement.
Integration with Existing Swedish Defense Systems
The new ammunition will primarily be integrated with two key Swedish air-defense systems: the Trackfire remote weapon station and the TRIDON Mk2 mobile air-defense system.
The TRIDON Mk2 is a truck-mounted 40mm anti-aircraft gun system developed to provide highly mobile short-range air defense. The integration of programmable airburst ammunition is intended to improve its ability to counter evolving aerial threats.
The agreement also benefits Sweden's existing fleet of CV90 infantry fighting vehicles. Since many CV90 vehicles are already equipped with 40mm Bofors guns, they are fully compatible with the 40mm L/70 PABEX ammunition. This provides the vehicles with an additional capability to engage aerial threats without requiring new platforms or extensive vehicle modifications.
Supporting Sweden's Counter-Drone Efforts
Nammo said the framework agreement supports Sweden's efforts to strengthen its national air defense and counter-UAS capabilities. The ammunition is designed to combine precision and flexibility against a broad range of threats while making use of existing gun systems already in service.
The agreement also aligns with wider efforts by European armed forces to improve defenses against the growing use of unmanned systems on modern battlefields through upgrades to existing air-defense platforms.
Nammo Highlights Long-Term Partnership
Commenting on the agreement, Morten Brandtzæg, President and CEO of Nammo, said the contract represents an important milestone in the company's partnership with Sweden.
"As a trusted partner to Sweden, this agreement marks an important step in further strengthening Swedish defense capabilities. By delivering cutting-edge ammunition solutions, we are helping our customers stay ahead of evolving threats and meet future operational challenges."
Financial Details Not Disclosed
Nammo stated that the seven-year framework agreement reinforces its position as a supplier of ammunition for modern air-defense operations. While the company confirmed receipt of the first call-off order, it did not disclose the value of the agreement or the quantity of ammunition included in the initial purchase.
The agreement and the first production order were announced on Aug. 7, 2026, with no additional financial or procurement details released by Nammo or Swedish authorities.
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