The Italian Defence Industries Agency (AID), represented by its Director General, Professor Fiammetta Salmoni, and Meccanica per l’Elettronica e Servomeccanismi S.p.A. (MES), represented by its President and Legal Representative, Engineer Carlo Piscitelli, have signed a Cooperation Agreement for the production and marketing of 120mm HEAT-T and TP-T tank ammunition, primarily intended for the Italian military market.

The ten-year agreement provides for the development of the production line at the Land Ammunition Military Plant (Stabilimento Militare del Munizionamento Terrestre, SMMT) in Baiano di Spoleto (Province of Perugia), thereby strengthening the facility’s role as a national hub for the manufacture of specialized ammunition.

The agreement enhances the synergy between MES’s industrial and technological expertise—as the exclusive design rights holder of the ME434 and ME431 munitions—and AID’s infrastructure and operational capabilities, within a geopolitical context where autonomous access to advanced weapon systems is of strategic importance.

The project includes targeted upgrades and modernization of the production line, investments in machinery, qualification activities, and dedicated technology transfer and training programs for AID personnel.

Production will be managed in close cooperation between the two entities, in compliance with military quality standards, with the aim of ensuring timely and efficient supply to meet national needs as well as opportunities in foreign markets and government-to-government (G2G) programs.

“The signing of this agreement with MES,” stated AID’s Director General, “confirms our commitment to strengthening the national Defence System through a modern, synergistic production model focused on industrial sustainability. This is a concrete step toward consolidating national capabilities in the tank ammunition sector, contributing to the country’s strategic autonomy.”

Engineer Piscitelli expressed similar satisfaction: “MES is proud to contribute its technical and design expertise to the Defence sector. The collaboration with AID is a virtuous example of integration between industry and public administration in support of national security.”

Through this initiative, AID and MES lay the groundwork for a robust, excellence-driven partnership aligned with the evolving needs of the Italian Armed Forces.