ATK 30/40MM Bushmaster Cannon Selected by UK Royal Navy for Type 23 Frigate Anti-FAC/FIAC Program

MINNEAPOLIS and LONDON, Sept. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Alliant Techsystems will provide its proven 30/40mm Mk44 Bushmaster Cannon system to MSI Defence Systems for integration onto its DS30M Mk2 Naval Mounting. The UK Royal Navy (RN) has ordered a total of 26 systems for the new Type 23 Frigate, with deliveries scheduled to begin in late 2006.

This is the first time ATK will provide the Bushmaster for use on a RN vessel and it extends the Bushmaster's reach beyond armored vehicle applications to shipboard use. The gun systems will be used to enhance the Royal Navy's ability to counter fast attack craft (FAC) and fast inshore attack craft (FIAC).

ATK's Bushmaster series is already the gun system of choice for numerous North American and European armored vehicles including those of the Swiss, Polish and Finnish armies, as well as armored vehicles of the United States Army and Marine Corps.

The RN and MSI selected ATK's Mk44 Bushmaster because of its significantly reduced dispersion rate and low ownership costs. In addition, the unique dual feed system of the Bushmaster series allows the operator to select different types of ammunition for use against a variety of targets. The safety, reliability and low life-cycle costs of the Bushmaster system add to its overall value.

As a leader in the production of precision gun systems, ATK has equipped the U.S. military and 20 allies with more than 15,000 25mm, 30mm and 35mm chain gains.

ATK is a $3.1 billion advanced weapon and space systems company employing approximately 14,500 people in 23 states. News and information can be found on the Internet at http://www.atk.com/ .

Media Contact: Investor Contact: Bryce Hallowell Steve Wold Phone: 952-351-3087 Phone: 952-351-3056 E-mail: bryce.hallowell@atk.com E-mail: steve.wold@atk.com