Lithuania orders MK44 Bushmaster Chain Guns
Orbital ATK will supply its MK44 Bushmaster chain gun for the Lithuanian Army's new Vilkas 8x8 infantry fighting vehicles, the company announced on 16 March.
The company will supply 90 Bushmaster cannons for integration with Rafael's Samson MKII Remote Weapons Station. The cannon's increased firepower, coupled with the weapon station's low-silhouette and ability to reload under armour inside the hull, will provide enhanced crew survivability and effectiveness.
The gun system supports the use of Orbital ATK's 30mm MK310 Programmable Air Bursting Munition for precise, point-in-space burst to defeat enemy targets in defilade positions.
First deliveries of the first guns will take place mid-2017.
Dan Olson, vice president and general manager for the armament systems division of Orbital ATK's Defense Systems Group, said: 'With an installed base approaching 2,000 cannons worldwide, our MK44 is sought after for its proven reliability and effectiveness by our allies fielding new systems or needing to upgrade existing platforms to meet growing threats.
'Our guns represent a commitment to working together with our nation and our allies to create and deliver superior armaments and services for those who defend their nation's security.'
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
DroneShield nets largest order ever with $40 million European CUAS contract
The package of three standalone follow-on contracts makes this the largest contract won by the Australian company and larger than its total 2024 revenue.
-
Patria completes test firing of new self-propelled gun as demand for systems grows
Patria quotes a maximum rate of fire of eight rounds a minute from the new ARVE (ARtillery on VEhicle) self-propelled gun with a range of 40km for an assisted round. The rapid, low-risk development is designed to meet emerging requirements which have arisen out of the Ukraine war.
-
US Army modernisation plans raise big concerns for lawmakers
The termination of programmes such as JLTV and RCV has been harshly criticised by members of the US Congress.
-
The power of partnership: GDMS–UK deepens cooperation with the British Army
In Conversation: Shephard's Gerrard Cowan talks to General Dynamics Mission Systems–United Kingdom’s Chris Burrows about how the company's UK TacCIS business is reshaping battlefield communications through sustained customer engagement, accelerated innovation and ecosystem collaboration.
-
Sweden to purchase IRIS-T air defence systems for $930 million
This recent purchase of the medium-range air defence system adds to the country’s ongoing efforts to ramp up its overall defence readiness and capabilities.