True Velocity Ammunition have released a statement confirming that they have been selected to progress to the next stage of the Australian Army’ LAND 159 Force Modernization Program. TV will be partnering with Australian company NIOA, who were tasked by the Australian Defense Forces, back in July, with identifying companies to provide next generation capabilities.

LAND 159 is Australia’s program to identify and develop next generation small arms systems and technology. As well as “next-generation weapon systems, surveillance and target acquisitions ancillaries, ammunitions, facilities and training and support systems.”

The first phase covers sniper rifles and close combat systems (excluding rifles and machine guns). Phase two will look at other small arms systems, including rifles, in 2024 with the final phase/tranche examining “enhanced munitions and emergent weapon systems” in 2026.

Australian soldier with EF-88 rifle (Spc. Audrey Ward/DoD)

Here’s True Velocity’s statement with more details:

GARLAND, TX (October 26, 2020) – Australia-based NIOA, a company specializing in the supply and sustainment of weapons and munition systems to the Australian Defense Force (ADF), has invited Texas-based True Velocity to the next stage in the LAND 159 Lethality Systems Project procurement process. The LAND 159 project will equip the men and women of the ADF with next-generation pistols, assault rifles, machine guns, sniper rifles, direct fire support weapons, and ammunition. True Velocity, which manufactures composite cased ammunition for military, law enforcement and civilian use, will specifically participate in the narrowed search for next generation ammunition solutions.

“Being added to the shortlist for the LAND 159 program is clear acknowledgment of the benefits that composite ammunition can deliver to the warfighters of the future,” said Chris Tedford, President of True Velocity. “The composite casings we produce provide advantages on the battlefield through improved accuracy, reduced wear and tear on firearms, and a significant reduction in the weight of the ammunition itself compared to traditional brass. True Velocity also offers NIOA and ADF a partner that can put unmatched innovation in ammunition production technology to work benefitting overall logistics and spending.”

In collaboration with the Commonwealth of Australia, NIOA serves as Prime Contractor for the LAND 159 program. NIOA’s role includes identifying and approaching market providers such as True Velocity on behalf of the Commonwealth to identify and evaluate Sniper and Close Combat weapon systems and provide acquisition and support recommendations for future defense needs. Program participants ultimately selected will deliver next generation weapons and ammunition to the ADF in three phases or “tranches” over the next decade.

“For NIOA, the LAND 159 program is all about the next generation of Australia’s defense industry and, most importantly, the next generation of the ADF,” CEO Robert Nioa said. “The work of these young men and women is entrusted to all of us involved in the LAND 159 program. Their safety, and their ability to successfully complete missions is of the utmost importance and is why we must ensure that the ADF has the best equipment and ammunition available for years to come.

For more information on True Velocity, visit www.tvammo.com