New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
Spain seeks grenade launcher ammunition
The Spanish Army Contracting Board has opened a tender on a €4.87 million ($5.77 million), four-year framework agreement to procure 40x53 mm ammunition for the SB40 automatic grenade launcher and MK19 grenade machine gun (pictured in US Army use).
Interested companies have until 6 October to submit bids.
The SB40 LAG was developed in Spain by General Dynamics European Land Systems – Santa Bárbara Sistemas as a private venture in the late 1980s.
The Spanish Army took delivery of a pre-production batch of 60 weapons in 1992 for trials in the infantry support role; Shephard Defence Insight notes that the service now employs the SB40 both in the dismounted role and on AFVs.
General Dynamics has built more than 40,000 MK19 Mod 3 GMGs for roughly 30 customers since 1984. The MK19 fires M383 HE, M430 HE dual purpose and M918 training practice ammunition. The weapon is also produced by ATK as a second-source supplier.
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