The U.S. Soldiers will face major challenges in the near future when handgun ammunition exhibits a lethality deficiency.

The original specifications for the handgun were that it needed to hit enemy soldier at a given distance but at today need to penetrate the modern body armors.

Federal Cartridge Company offers new 9x19mm 103gr Enhanced Ball Round (EBR) for increase capabilities of currently M9 or newest M17 and M18 recently adopted by the Army.

According to the company, ammunition currently fielded in the M9 (legacy) and M17/M18 systems shows a lethality deficiency against common battlefield barriers.

The company’s presentation noted the use of 9x19mm ‘EBR’ ammunition increases the effectiveness of the Soldier through improved Probability of Incapacitation as well as better mobility due to a reduced ammunition weight load.

Also noted that loaded cartridge is approximately 11% lighter than 124gr and 20% lighter than 147gr 9x19mm ammunition.

The modern 9mm rounds by Federal Cartridge Company have been selected to support the US Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments (AEWEs) in 2018. Soldiers participating in the Army Expeditionary Warrior Experiments try out new technologies offered by industry, as well as some government-sponsored initiatives.