Navy cannon gets coaxial enhancement
The US Navy is approximately half way through an enhancement effort that adds coaxial machine gun capabilities to its Mk38 weapon system.
Designed as a self-defence system against high speed manoeuvring targets, the Mk38 incorporates the M242 25mm ‘Bushmaster’ chain gun. Within US Navy and Coast Guard inventories, the system is currently installed aboard CG, CVN, DDG, FFG, LSD, LPD, LHD, LHA, LCC, MK VI, PC, OSV and USCG FRC class ships and planned for installation aboard AS and USCG offshore patrol cutter (OPC) class ships.
While the Mk38 provides a low cost, stabilised self-defence weapon system that dramatically
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 Naval Warfare
-
Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers
Canada's ambitious naval modernisation plans are creating major maritime procurement opportunities, with future programmes also promising long-term work for domestic and international shipbuilders.
-
The unanswered design question at the heart of India’s P75I submarine programme
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems is edging toward an India submarine deal, but an unverified claim of a radically new hull design – at odds with the proven lineage it has marketed to Canada – has yet to be resolved.
-
Critical infrastructure protection fuels growth in maritime counter-drone market
Operational lessons are pushing navies towards counter-uncrewed aerial systems at sea, creating a fast-emerging industrial opportunity for radar and effector makers.