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
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
-
![Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners]()
Canada set to look away from its neighbour and across the Atlantic for partners
While non-EU UK struggles to join the Security Action for Europe initiative, which provides loans for defence programmes, Canada has become the first country outside Europe to get access – and did so for a nominal fee.
-
![NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems]()
NATO experiments with solutions to integrate networks, AI and uncrewed systems
During the latest edition of the NATO DiBaX, the alliance tested multiple capabilities to inform requirements for future efforts.
-
![Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome]()
Leonardo unveils plans for Michelangelo air defence dome
The new multi-layered defence system will harness AI to neutralise airborne threats and protect Europe from Russian aggression.
