David Smith, Metal Storm's CEO, said the Cooperative Research and Development Agreement (CRADA) is significant because it formalises the company's partnership with a key defence industry research organisation.

"The CRADA will allow us to take existing certified munitions from the US Army inventory and convert them to Metal Storm configuration," he said.

"Our agreement with the US Army Research Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) provides us with the opportunity to establish a successful business development partnership with one of the defence industry's most influential research organisations," he said.

"It also supports Metal Storm's clearly stated strategy of focusing on its core 40mm technology, getting it to market in the shortest time possible, and transforming itself into a systems integrator."

Mr Smith said the agreement would provide the framework for the rapid development testing and eventual certification of a range of 40mm munitions for use with Metal Storm's weapon systems.

Under the agreement, which has a life of up to 5 years, Metal Storm will work closely with US Army engineers and will have access to specialised equipment, laboratories, and armaments facilities on a fee for service basis.

The estimated cost to Metal Storm of the scope of works under this agreement is up to US$549,000 (approximately AU$730,000) which the Company expects to be completed within the next 12 to 18 months.

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