Seafuture 2025 – ME 327 25×137 mm proximity rounds ready for production

Many armies dropped the 25×137 mm calibre for bigger rounds in the past decades, however the limited cost, mass and the availability if new rounds are bringing back 25 mm cannons, the C-UAS role being one of its new roles, also thanks to new ammunition such as the MES327 one, produced by the Rome-based MES, and fitted with a proximity fuse

At the La Spezia exhibition MES showcased its two latest developments in the 25×137 mm field, the ME 327 proximity round and the ME 329 impact round. Considering that cannon such as the widely used Oerlikon KBA, which at DSEI was showcased by Rheinmetall in the new CT-025 unmanned turret, have a double feed, the new rounds by MES can become the couple of choice for such weapons. The development of the ME 327 will allow 25 mm weapons to neutralise small and medium-sized drones, which are among today major threats.

A high explosive round with proximity fuse, HE PX in short, it is fitted with a fuse that senses the drone within 1 meter and detonates the round. Compared to programmable ammunition, a pre-set proximity round has the major advantage that it does not need any programming system, hence it can be used by standard 25×137 mm weapon systems without any change. The projectile has a mass of 185 grams and has a maximum range of approximatively 3,000 metres.

According to MES representatives, the ME 327 will be ready for serial production in December 2025. The supply chain is defined, and the round has already attracted considerable interest, which suggests important sales prospects. As the ammunition consumption trend is increasing, MES is already considering an increase in the company’s production capacity. One of the most critical items is the proximity fuse, for which MES will eventually increase manpower to allow adapting production rate to production needs; according to the company personnel training should not be a major issue.

The proximity fuse together with the over 1,200 m/s muzzle velocity and the effective range make the ME 327 an effective round against small and mini-UAVs, adding a further layer to the defence against one of the most recent additions to the many effectors that threaten armoured vehicles on the battlefield.

Photos by P. Valpolini