FMS F-16 operators to receive Vulcan cannon
M61A1 Vulcan cannon for F-16 aircraft being examined by USAF ground personnel. (Photo: USAF)
GD-OTS is providing M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon for F-16s.
General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems (GD-OTS) has received an $88.27 million IDIQ sole-source contract from the USAF to provide M61A1 Vulcan 20mm rotary cannon for F-16s, including aircraft operated by unnamed FMS customers.
The DoD announced on 15 December that work will be performed in Williston, Vermont, for completion by 12 December 2031.
The Air Force Life Cycle Management Center issued the contract.
The six-barrel M61A1 is the standard cannon armament for US fighter aircraft, featuring a linkless ammunition feed and the ability to fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute of armour-piercing or high-explosive ammunition.
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe]()
Saab’s GlobalEye gains ground as Canada’s aircraft procurement tilts towards Europe
Canada’s interest in negotiating a procurement of Saab’s GlobalEye airborne early warning and control aircraft signals its readiness to reduce its reliance on US defence technology as trade tensions with its North American neighbour mount.
-
![US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months]()
US Air Force CCA programme to achieve multiple milestones in the coming months
The US Air Force is preparing to select mission-autonomy software, fire a missile from the FQ-42 Vengeance and test both CCA designs alongside crewed fighters at 2026 Emerald Flag.
-
![Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?]()
Will the US Navy F/A-XX and the USAF F-47 compete for production capacities?
The two sixth-generation fighter programmes could battle for engineering talent and production lines before deliveries begin, testing Boeing’s industrial expansion plans.
-
![September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper]()
September drone digest: attrition-tolerant aircraft pitched to replace the Reaper
The loss of many MQ-9 Reapers during the 2026 Iran War has underscored the risks of sending relatively expensive UAVs into contested airspace. In September, new contenders to replace the Reaper emerged, championing cheaper, modular aircraft designs for mass production and inevitable attrition.
