FN Herstal has initiated the Small Arms Ammunition Technologies (SAAT) project to develop a unified standard for small arms ammunition across Europe. 

This four-year programme is led by the company and involves a consortium of European defence entities, research institutions, and Ministries of Defence from nine nations.  

The collaborative effort is intended to improve interoperability among European forces and bolster the continent's strategic independence and self-reliance in defence capabilities. 

The initiative’s inception meeting took place at FN Herstal's headquarters in December 2024. 

Representatives from Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Sweden, and Switzerland set up the project's governance structure and established a cooperative framework. 

European Defence Agency (EDA) Ammunition Technology project officer Jonas Granberg said: “This kick-off meeting is the first step in an ambitious journey to develop innovative ammunition solutions for Europe’s defence forces. 

“By bringing together expertise from across Europe, SAAT will deliver practical, effective, and forward-looking solutions that address today’s and tomorrow’s challenges.” 

The SAAT project's primary objectives include defining small arms ammunition requirements to counter present and future threats as well as identifying the current state of ammunition technology. 

These also comprise developing an “advanced” small arms projectile prototype, and enhancing ammunition component technologies. 

With a budget of €8.3m ($8.6m), the SAAT project has brought together 18 European partners.  

These include manufacturers such as Beretta, CZUB, Eurenco, Fiocchi Munizioni, FN Herstal, Mesko, Nammo, Nobel Sport, and Swiss P Defence.  

Research organisations in the consortium consist of Armasuisse, DGA Techniques Terrestres, FFI, FOI, the Royal Military Academy of Belgium, TNO, and the Military University of Technology in Poland.