Czechoslovak Group-owned Federal Ammunition has signed an agreement allowing the US Army to use its patented Peak Alloy ammunition case technology to achieve higher projectile velocities.
Peak Alloy uses a high-strength proprietary steel-alloy casing that withstands chamber pressures exceeding 80,000 psi (pounds per square inch), enabling higher velocities than traditional brass cases.
Introduced commercially in 2025 with the 7mm Backcountry cartridge, the technology is expected to be used in multiple US Army cartridges and weapon systems of .50 caliber and below.
Government Purpose Rights Later
Under the agreement, Minnesota-based Federal Ammunition will grant the US Army Government Purpose Rights (GPR) for its Peak Alloy technology once specified conditions, including the delivery of 40 million cartridge cases, have been met.
GPR allows the US government to use, modify, reproduce, and share a technology with contractors for government purposes while the original developer retains ownership of the intellectual property.
“This is a historic agreement between the US military and Federal Ammunition,” Federal Ammunition Chairman and CEO Jason Vanderbrink said.
“As a 104-year-old American company, it further demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation.
As the world’s leading manufacturer of small-caliber ammunition, I am particularly proud of the speed at which our team can develop products with practical applications that enhance the advanced systems our American warfighters use on the battlefield.”
