Called "MK-211 Raufoss," the
projectiles reportedly are designed for improved armor penetration and are
best known for both fragmentation and incendiary effects. The bullets have
been produced by Nammo, formerly Raufoss Ammunisjonsfabrikk, a market
leader in the field.
Johs Norheim, head of business development for Nammo, confirmed to
Norwegian newspaper Nationen Tuseday that the company has sold
MK-211 to the American military, but he declined to reveal details.
Documents from the American defense department indicate the US Army
budgeted around NOK 70 million (USD 10 million) for MK-211 purchasing over
the past six years. The ammunition was also used during the Gulf War in
1991.
In 2001, however, the International Red Cross asked all countries to
limit production, use and exchange of this type of ammunition, which is
used in rifles and popular with Special Forces. The Red Cross has
especially opposed its use against people, while others defend its use
against tanks, for example, as an armor-piercing device.
Jan Egeland of the Norwegian Red Cross has been trying, without
success, to get Norwegian authorities to revoke export licenses for the
ammunition.
Egeland said the Norwegian weapons industry generally adheres to
international conventions, with the exception of MK-211.
