Rheinmetall automatic cannon for Gripen
Rheinmetall is to equip Gripen NG fighter aircraft with the BK27 automatic cannon featuring a new linkless ammunition feeding system, under a contract announced by the company on 1 March.
The contract, awarded to Rheinmetall by Saab, will see 88 Gripen aircraft for Brazil and Sweden equipped with the Mauser 27mm revolver cannon.
Delivery will take place during the 2017-2025 timeframe, and Rheinmetall will provide service support and spare parts.
The linked ammunition-feeding version of the gas operated revolver cannon serves as the standard weapon in the multi-role Tornado, while the Eurofighter features the linkless version. Some 3,500 systems have been manufactured to date, and Rheinmetall also offers the accompanying ammunition for the weapon system.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister]()
Estonia boosting defence industry with lessons from Ukraine, says country’s economic minister
Estonia is looking to boost its local defence industry with directed funding, industry parks, support through international orders for equipment and rapid prototyping.
-
![India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict]()
India’s strategic defence footprint expansion could be accelerated by Iran-Israel conflict
The latest escalation between Iran and Israel could shape New Delhi’s next-generation shield as India deepens cooperation with Israel on missile defence and drone production.
-
![Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?]()
Is the US magazine of air defence interceptors deep enough to sustain a long campaign against Iran?
The Pentagon spent a considerable number of THAAD and SM-3 rounds to defend against Iranian missiles in 2025 and has not fully replenished its reserves.
-
![New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace]()
New Zealand buys tri-service uncrewed kit from Syos Aerospace
As uncrewed technology continues to play an increasingly central role in modern military activities, New Zealand’s recent acquisitions point towards its the force’s focus on cost-effective capability.
