LONDON

The British and German armies will work together on the next steps for the development of advanced armor-piercing tank ammunition, according to an official statement Thursday.

"We’re very pleased to work with Germany on this program, helping equip our respective Armed Forces with a crucial battle-winning capability," said UK Defense Secretary Ben Wallace.

"The standardized ammunition will not only benefit battlefield collaboration with many of our NATO allies but has important export potential for UK and German defense industry partners," he added.

Under the terms of the new agreement, the two countries will also remain open for additional nations to join the cooperation or be export recipients.

The collaboration will also improve the lethality on the UK’s future Challenger 3 Main Battle Tanks and German Leopard 2 tanks.