CTAI delivers 40mm cannon to UK

CTA International (CTAI), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems, has delivered the first production standard Cased Telescoped Cannon System to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bourges, France, BAE Systems announced on 21 March.

The new 40mm cannons will be used by the British Army on the Warrior and Ajax armoured vehicles. A total of 515 systems will be delivered.

The cannon fires 40mm cased telescoped ammunition. The ammunition is contained in a straight tube and can deliver a charge that is four times more powerful than the 30mm rounds it replaces. Armour piercing and training rounds have been developed for the cannon so far; point detonating rounds that can penetrate thick concrete and an airburst round for engaging light vehicles and infantry spread over a large area are currently undergoing qualification. An anti-aerial airburst round for airborne targets is also under development.

The cannon uses a new rotating breech system, with ammunition loaded at a 90 degree angle to the barrel before being rotated into firing position. This design saves space in the vehicle, creating extra room to store more ammunition or equipment. 

Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said: ‘This next-generation cannon has been developed through close Anglo-French collaboration and adds significantly to the capability of the UK and our NATO allies. The delivery of the first cannon on our Ajax vehicles is another example of how our £178 billion investment in UK defence is ensuring our armed forces have the equipment they need.’

Related Equipment in Defence Insight

Warrior

Ajax