Geopolitics

Northrop Grumman to Manufacture High Explosive Proximity Munitions for the U.S. Army

DEFCROS News

04 Dec 2025 — 1 min read

U.S. Army Awards Significant Contract to Northrop Grumman for Next-Gen Ammunition

PLYMOUTH, Minn. – December 3, 2025 – The U.S. Army has granted Northrop Grumman Corporation a contract exceeding $200 million to manufacture the XM1211 High Explosive Proximity (HEP) fuzed round. This contract marks a crucial advancement in supplying advanced munitions for short-range air defense systems aimed at neutralizing small Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS).

Overview of the XM1211 Ammunition

Caliber & Mechanism: The XM1211 is a 30x113mm round equipped with a sophisticated proximity sensor. This technology requires only a close approach to a target for detonation, subsequently dispersing fragmentation to achieve target neutralization.

Collaborative Development

Joint Efforts: Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Army Joint Program Executive Office for Armaments & Ammunition, the Project Manager Maneuver Ammunition Systems (PM MAS), and the U.S. Army Combat Capabilities Development Command (DEVCOM), the XM1211 is specifically tailored for engagement against small UAS threats.
Compatibility: This round is designed for use with Northrop Grumman’s XM914 and M230LF Bushmaster® Chain Guns®.

Accelerated Production to Meet Demand

Urgent Development: Northrop Grumman and PM MAS swiftly initiated development of the XM1211 to satisfy an urgent operational need identified in 2021. Current efforts are focused on scaling production and enhancing capacity to address rising domestic and international demands for this critical munition.
Production Locations: Manufacturing will take place across several facilities, including those in Plymouth and Elk River, Minnesota; Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia; and Radford Ammunition Plant in Virginia.

Expert Insights

Leadership Perspective: Dave Fine, Vice President of Armament Systems at Northrop Grumman, stated, “As the sole qualified manufacturer of the XM1211 proximity round, Northrop Grumman stands ready to fulfill this pressing requirement for state-of-the-art munitions with efficiency. Our collaboration with the U.S. Army fosters innovation and ensures we adequately address the pivotal needs of today’s soldiers in combat scenarios.”

Photo courtesy of Northrop Grumman

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