Next-generation gun set to boost US Army combat vehicle capabilities
Northrop Grumman’s 50mm XM913 Chain Gun on a test stand for range trials. (Photo: Northrop Grumman)
The 50mm main weapon on the XM30 Mechanized Infantry Combat Vehicle currently being competed for by industry will offer a step-change in firepower and targeting over the in-service M2 Bradley.
Northrop Grumman has confirmed that the US Army has now ordered a total of 16 of its latest-generation 50mm XM913 Bushmaster Chain Guns (CGs) for testing on the force’s planned new combat vehicle.
This weapon was developed by the company in close cooperation with Picatinny Arsenal and leverages the earlier 35mm Bushmaster III in service with Denmark, Estonia and the Netherlands and selected by Sweden, all for use on the BAE Systems Hägglunds CV90.
As well as being for US Army testing, the 50mm XM913s are being provided to General Dynamics Land Systems (GDLS) and Rheinmetall American Vehicles which
Our news & analysis is now part of Defence Insight®
A Basic-level or higher Defence Insight subscription is now required to view this content.
More from Land Warfare
-
![Battle management C2 systems are driving the next phase of integrated air defence]()
Battle management C2 systems are driving the next phase of integrated air defence
Battlefield and wider air defence C2 systems integrating a range of agnostic sensors have risen in prominence, from Turkey’s Aselsan developing Steel Dome to Northrop Grumman providing its own system to Poland and the US Army.
-
![Ireland targets improved anti-drone capability before mid-year ahead of EU presidency]()
Ireland targets improved anti-drone capability before mid-year ahead of EU presidency
With Ireland's EU presidency set to commence from July this year, the ramped-up efforts to procure a counter-uncrewed aerial system and radar capability under its Military Radar Programme are on track to meet targeted roll-out dates.
-
![How and why Europe is replenishing tube artillery in the drone warfare era]()
How and why Europe is replenishing tube artillery in the drone warfare era
Modern conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war have exposed gaps in Western artillery, with European militaries increasingly looking to invest in longer-range systems with a focus on logistics and resilience.
