Other Ship Gun Ammunition

The LI 0270 - Other Ship Gun Ammunition program is a Navy budget line item focused on the procurement of medium caliber ship gun ammunition, supporting both shipboard and ashore operational units. The program's primary goal is to ensure the availability of 20MM, 25MM, 30MM, and 40MM ammunition for Navy ships, Naval Expeditionary Combat Command (NECC), Mobile Security Forces (MSF), fleet combat readiness groups, inshore undersea warfare groups, and other operational units. This ammunition is essential for ship defense, anti-terrorism/force protection, and homeland defense missions, maintaining readiness and operational capability across the fleet.

The Integrated Warfare Systems subline within LI 0270 specifically funds the procurement of medium caliber ammunition for shipboard weapon systems. This includes 20MM rounds for the MK15 Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), 25MM rounds for the MK38 Machine Gun System, and 30MM rounds for the MK46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon System. The objectives are to provide reliable munitions for defense against fast attack craft and in-shore threats, as well as counter-unmanned aircraft systems (C-UAS) capabilities. The program also covers production engineering, acceptance testing, transportation, and metrology support to ensure ammunition quality and compatibility with Navy weapon systems.

Procurement quantities and funding levels for Integrated Warfare Systems are adjusted annually based on operational needs and inventory requirements. For FY 2026, the program includes increased procurement of 30MM C-UAS cartridges due to heightened operational activity in the Red Sea, reflecting the Navy's need to adapt to emerging threats. The program also invests in product improvement initiatives to qualify joint service C-UAS cartridges for Navy use, supporting interoperability and modernization efforts. Production engineering services are expanded to support increased ammunition procurement and ensure the safe fielding of new munitions.

The Naval Special Warfare (NSW) subline provides service-common munitions for NSW units, including US Navy SEAL teams, small tactical units, task groups, and Special Boat Teams. The goal is to equip NSW forces with ammunition that enhances firepower, area target engagement, standoff, extended range, and anti-armor capabilities. Procured items include medium caliber mortars (20MM 81MM), grenades, and Javelin missile equipment. This ammunition is critical for NSW force protection and increases the combat power of tactical elements, supporting both training and operational missions.

NSW procurement priorities are shaped by training requirements, war reserve needs, and modernization objectives. The program funds non-dud producing 40MM practice rounds to comply with range restrictions and maintain training stocks, which are currently below Total Munitions Requirement (TMR). It also replaces aging inventory with newer, safer, and more effective munitions, such as the 60MM HE M720A2 mortar with M734A1 fuze, which uses a less sensitive energetic fill and addresses high dud rates in older stock. Javelin Block 1 missiles and components are procured to meet evolving anti-armor requirements and reach fielded operational capabilities.

Both sublines include support for production engineering, transportation, and acceptance testing. The Single Manager for Conventional Ammunition (SMCA) provides engineering support and manages delivery logistics, ensuring timely and efficient fielding of ammunition. Production engineering funding supports the validation and verification of new munitions, addressing safety and compatibility issues as new items are introduced into the inventory. These efforts are essential for maintaining the reliability and effectiveness of the Navy's ammunition supply chain.