In January 2025, the European Defence Agency (EDA) launched the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (SAAT) initiative, a four-year project with a budget of €8.3 million.
The project brings together 18 entities, including defense companies, research organizations, and ministries of defense from nine European countries.
Poland is represented by MESKO S.A. and the Military University of Technology (WAT), according to Portal Obronny.
Aiming for a New Ammunition Standard
The SAAT project seeks to develop a new intermediate-caliber round between 5.56 mm and 7.62 mm, which could potentially replace the 5.56 mm caliber currently used by NATO forces.
This innovation is intended to improve both lethality and interoperability among allied forces, particularly against modern battlefield threats, including adversaries equipped with advanced ballistic protection.
Renata Gruszczyńska, President of MESKO S.A., emphasized the importance of the initiative: "For MESKO, this is another externally funded project under the auspices of the European Defence Agency. Our involvement confirms our leading position in the European defense market."
The project will also provide MESKO with crucial expertise in the design of small-caliber ammunition and allow it to influence the final specifications of the new round.
"This will significantly enhance our capabilities in ammunition development," noted Katarzyna Lipińska, MESKO’s Technical and Development Board Member.
European Collaboration in Defense Innovation
SAAT is coordinated by Belgium's FN Herstal and involves a consortium of leading defense companies, including Beretta (Italy), CZUB (Czech Republic), Nammo (Norway/Sweden), Fiocchi Munizioni (Italy), and Swiss P Defence (Switzerland).
Key research institutions, such as Armasuisse (Switzerland), DGA Techniques Terrestres (France), and TNO (Netherlands), are also participating.
The project aligns with broader efforts to strengthen Europe's defense capabilities and promote technological innovation.
Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, has repeatedly stressed the need to boost the EU’s defense sector to address emerging threats.
The successful development of a new ammunition standard through SAAT could pave the way for enhanced operational readiness and greater military cooperation within NATO and the EU.
