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ATK Enters Into Agreement With Israel Military Industries to Co-Produce 120mm Mortar Cargo Ammunition for Sale in U.S.

Jun 20, 2000

ATK (Alliant Techsystems) (NYSE: ATK) said it has entered into a teaming agreement with Israel Military Industries Ltd. (IMI) under which the companies will co-produce IMI's M971 120mm Dual-Purpose Improved Conventional Munition (DPICM) mortar cargo ammunition for sale in the U.S.

Under the agreement, IMI will transfer the production technology for the 120mm DPICM round to ATK. Both companies will manufacture portions of the round in their respective countries, with ATK serving as the prime contractor for final systems integration and sales to the U.S. military.

Michael McCann, president, Alliant Ammunition Systems Company, said the addition of the IMI 120mm mortar cargo round to its munitions portfolio gives it a product that can play an important role in the U.S. Army's transformation to smaller, lighter, and more deployable forces.

"With the increased emphasis on fire support in the new brigade combat team concept, mortars will take on greater importance as a weapon system," said McCann. "The IMI cargo round can increase the effectiveness of the 120mm mortar system because its expanded target pattern offers greater lethality against a wider variety of targets than the standard high-explosive round. That means fewer rounds needed and reduced logistical requirements -- a major concern for combat forces that need to respond rapidly."

Jed Holzapfel, vice president, International Business Development, said alliances with leading global companies like IMI are a key strategy for achieving corporate top-line growth.

"IMI is one of the premier aerospace and defense contractors in the world," said Holzapfel. "We are pleased to continue our strategic partnership with the company on this very important tactical munition, which can help the U.S. Army achieve its vision to be 'persuasive in peace and invincible in war."

Alliant Ammunition Systems Company, New Brighton, Minn., comprises ATK's U.S. and international medium caliber and tank ammunition business. It is one four operating companies within ATK's Conventional Munitions business segment, which is the largest supplier of military ammunition to the U.S. Department of Defense.

Israel Military Industries Ltd. is a leader in the design, development, and manufacture of innovative, high-performance defense and military systems. The company is the major supplier to the Israel Defense Forces, and a widely recognized supplier to armed forces, law enforcement and security agencies, and defense manufacturers on five continents. Products include small arms and small arms ammunition, heavy ammunition, aircraft systems, rocket systems, advanced systems, and heavy weapons and armored fighting vehicles.

ATK is a $1.1 billion aerospace and defense company with leading market positions in munitions, smart weapons and precision capabilities, propulsion, and composite structures. The company, which is headquartered in Hopkins, Minn., employs approximately 6,500 people and has three business segments: Conventional Munitions, Aerospace, and Defense Systems. ATK news and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/

SOURCE: Alliant Techsystems

Contact: Media, Rod Bitz, 612-931-5413, rod_bitz@atk.com, or Investors,
Melanie E.R. Miller, 612-931-6921, melanie_miller@atk.com, both of Alliant Techsystems