More precise ammunition for small arms, such as the AT4 rocket launcher fired by a soldier in Iraq, is to be researched by Saab. U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Michael Pryor

LINKOPING, Sweden, Oct. 4 (UPI) -- Saab is to conduct research on development of precision-engagement ammunition for small arms weaponry for the U.S. military.

The study was commissioned by the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency for its Massive Overmatch Assault Round project.


The value of the contract was not disclosed.

Saab said it will use its Carl-Gustaf and AT4 shoulder-fired weapons -- they are both in use with the U.S. Army -- for the research, which involve analysis of possible concepts, proposal of solutions and identification of areas for further study.

"This research is crucial to improving the power of small military units," said Gorgen Johansson, head of Saab's Dynamics business area. "Today's short-range weapons lack active guidance, while long-range weapons are extremely expensive, physically burdensome, and often require teams of operators that smaller units do not have. Saab is investigating a possible solution: a precision-guided munition for shoulder-fired weapons that provides a long-range, high-precision, multi-target capability.

"Analyzing already-established platforms allows the research to remain focused on the munition itself. Rather than developing a completely new solution, we are seeking to apply improved capabilities to existing systems ... ."