BAE Systems awarded MK 38 work
BAE Systems Land & Armaments will supply the MK 38 MOD 3 Machine Gun System (MGS) to the US Navy under a $19 million contract modification announced on 10 June.
The modification covers the MK 38 MOD 3 25mm MGS ordnance alteration and associated spares.
The alteration to the MK 38 MOD 1 25mm MGS provides an upgrade via the addition of two-axis stabilisation, an improved electro-optical sight system, improved multi-function display, modified main control panel, a new main computing unit, a 7.62mm machine gun and remote control operation.
The resulting MK38 MOD 3 provides an advantage because its surveillance system moves separately from the gun system, preventing adversaries from easily knowing they have been detected. It offers a range of 2.5km and selectable rates of fire from single to 180 rounds per minute, and fires all US Navy-approved 25mm ammunition. With the ability to remotely operate the system from the combat information centre, operators can remain out of harm’s way.
Work is expected to be completed by September 2021
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.