PICATINNY ARSENAL, N.J.- The Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments & Ammunition (JPEO A&A) has approved Milestone C for the 50mm XM1202 Target Practice with Tracer (TP-T) ammunition, marking the first time a new direct fire ammunition caliber has reached Milestone C since defense acquisition milestones were codified into law in 1986.

The introduction of a new caliber of ammunition significantly expands design options for direct fire munitions and, when paired with development efforts for the new XM30 Combat Vehicle, sets the Army to receive a modern infantry fighting vehicle with world class lethality.

The XM30 will replace the aging Bradley Fighting Vehicle first introduced into service in 1981. This approval authorizes the XM1202 program to enter production of the 50mm training cartridge. These rounds will directly support development and testing of the XM30 as well as to begin to fill the inventory. Along with producing the rounds, the team is now also working towards a Full Rate Production Decision slated for FY28.

Matthew Nestor, the Product Manager for Large Caliber Ammunition, stated that the XM1202 is the first round of the 50mm Family of Ammunition (FoA) that enables the superior lethality of the XM30. Also in development, the 50mm FoA includes the XM1203 Armor Piercing and the XM1204 High Explosive Airburst cartridges.

“As the Army continues through the development process for the XM30, the XM1202 and the other 50mm rounds in development are going to be critical to ensuring the XM30 is lethal from day one”, said Nestor. “The two programs (50mm FoA and XM30 which is being developed by the Program Executive Office Ground Combat Systems) have been specifically focused on remaining in lock step.”

Product Manager Large Caliber Ammunition is responsible for life cycle management including research, development, production, and fielding, testing and environmental impacts for large caliber direct fire ammunition (50mm, 105mm and 120mm) for the US Army and International Partners. Platforms supported include the Abrams Tank, the M10 Booker, and the emerging XM30.

According to Col. Steven Power, Project Manager for PM Maneuver Ammunition Systems, the approval of the XM1202 TP-T highlights the Large Caliber Ammunition Team’s commitment to delivering on Army modernization priorities.

“Successful completion of this Milestone C event is yet another step forward to delivering this much needed capability to the field”, said Power. “The team has done an excellent job of continuing to advance this program while mitigating risk with our external stakeholders.

“Following right behind the XM1202, the XM1203 and XM1204 will be bringing an armor penetrating and airburst capability to 50mm,” Power added. “Through these three rounds, which make up the 50mm Family of Ammunition, the XM30 is on an excellent path to provide the Army with an extremely lethal infantry fighting vehicle.”