At IDEX 2025, KNDS unveiled further details regarding the next phase of development for airburst ammunition also known as A3B and next steps about the RAPIDFire 40mm gun.
Martin Manaranche story with additional reporting by Nathan Gain.
As previously reported by Naval News, the development of a new 40mm anti-aircraft artillery (A3B) is ongoing since 2023 and the latest funds perceived will serve to make live trials and start the production. A specific procurement procurement dubbed “munitions moyens calibres” (MMC – medium caliber ammunition) was launched in 2024 for ordering initial batches of 40 mm shells for the two ships on which the RAPIDFire will be installed, the offshore patrol vessels and the replenishment tankers.
In its final version, the A3B (or KE-AB) ammunition will have a slightly increased weight from around 1 kg now to 1,4 kg. Working on an optimized powder is then necessary to maintain the same performances, such as an initial speed of 900 m/s and 3500 m of effective range. It will also have a new streamlined nose which requires to adapt the sabot.
The RAPIDFire is already operational on the first Jacques Chevallier-class replenishment tanker (also known as BRF), so the development or evolution concerns only future use-cases such as the A3B ammo and some attack scenarios in which the turret’s answer could be improved. For instance, trials including the attack by UAVs were carried out on land with “very good results” says a KNDS representative, which need to be confirmed at sea.
To do so, KNDS should take advantage of the launching of the second BRF ‘Jacques Stosskopf’ and her sea trials to adjust and make the necessary correction on the A3B ammunition, implement new data within RAPIDFire software and perform new live attack scenarios. The BRF long-term deployment before her commissioning should also demonstrate the 40mm turret ability to conduct shot saturation to neutralize several targets at the same time. According to this timeline, we could expect the end of A3B development and the latest version of the gun’s software to be operational next year, in 2026.
Back in December 2024, an order by the French procurement agency (DGA) has been placed for the development continuation of the A3B ammunition as well as for the procurement of additional RAPIDFire turrets. Regarding the Navy, eight systems will equip the BRF with two on each vessel. The seven future OPVs (known as PH in French) should also receive one each just as the future five future mine countermeasure vessels (BDGM program). Finally, the question remain open to equip the future aircraft carrier with such guns. Some PA-NG models showcased by Naval Group were showing four RAPIDFire systems fitted but the latter were not the final design.
RAPIDFire export perspectives
In January 2024, the UAE witnessed a successful demonstration of the RAPIDFire during the visit of the new supply vessel of the French Navy, the Jacques Chevallier. The live-fire tests on floating targets (killer tomatoes) were a resounding success, confirming strong interest in this solution.
Other exports perspectives remain uncertain and a well-kept secret by the gun manufacturer. However, Naval News learned there were already some advanced discussion ongoing with a European country. Time will tell.
About the RAPIDFire
The RAPIDFire, the first remotely operated 40mm turret integrating the CT40 gun and artificial intelligence, provides the platforms it equips with close-range self-defense capabilities against modern air and surface threats.
It features advanced electro-optics designed by Thales and the latest 40mm cased telescoped ammunition technology developed by CTAI, a subsidiary of KNDS France.
This solution offers unmatched firepower, with up to 140 ready-to-fire rounds—allowing nearly 30 interceptions per system without reloading. The turret is designed to counter a wide range of threats, including ships, light aircraft, drones, loitering munitions, and missiles, up to a range of 4 km. Its 40mm gun is compatible with all cased telescoped ammunition, including the A3B “airburst” round, which is particularly effective in anti-aircraft warfare and which development has recently been finalized by the French defense procurement agency (DGA).
