The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has responded to calls for increased firepower from the frontline in Afghanistan with an urgent operational requirement (UOR) for armour-piercing ammunition for the 40 mm underslung grenade launcher (UGL).

Referring to "immediate operational needs", the MoD has unveiled a requirement for 40x46 mm HEDP (high-explosive dual-purpose) rounds. A total of 113,630 rounds are sought, with delivery split into three tranches over a two-year period. 

Fired from Heckler & Koch's AG36 UGL, which is mounted on the underside of the 5.56 mm SA80A2 assault rifle, 40 mm grenade ammunition has proven popular with troops deployed on Operation 'Herrick' in Afghanistan, witnessed by several substantial replenishment orders from the MoD.

The department's latest requirement calls for HEDP rounds capable of penetrating a minimum of 45 mm of rolled homogenous armour (RHA).