In June 1997, the first 36-barrel prototype was unveiled. In 2000, Chinese agents approached Michael O'Dwyer and offered him US$100M to go to China to develop the technology. O'Dwyer refused and informed the Australian government of the approach. Nonetheless, the concept behind the weapon system generated some interest in China such that research was carried out to investigate the utility of such a weapon for use onboard naval vessels and armored vehicles, in the latter case even for the purpose of intercepting incoming anti-tank guided missiles. In June 2003 Metal Storm entered into an agreement to provide technology to Thunderstorm Firefighting Pty Ltd to help develop a civilian application of its technology to help with bush fire fighting activities. On 27 June 2003, Metal Storm received funding from the American military. In 2005, O'Dwyer left the company with a $500,000 payout and an intention to sell half his stake—then valued at $43m—but he could not find a buyer. On 19 November 2007, it was announced that the US Navy was buying Metal Storm grenade "barrels". In August 2010, Metal Storm signed a contract with a value of US$3,365,000 with Papua New Guinea's Correctional Services Minister Tony Aimo to supply 500 MAULs and 10,000 less-lethal barrels for use by correctional services officers. Metal Storm requested their shares be suspended from trading on 20 July 2012. , the company has been placed in voluntary administration. In late 2015 DefendTex, an Australian-based Defence R&D company acquired the intellectual property, trademarks and other assets of Metal Storm with a view to the continued development and commercialisation of the technology. In July 2018, DefendTex entered a joint partnership to provide weapon pods for the experimental Cerberus UAV. The company's directors were: