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
-
US Navy’s MUSV programme could lay the USV procurement blueprint for NATO allies
The programme’s structure as a marketplace will allow multiple companies to compete for ongoing procurements; an approach which could be replicated across the Atlantic.
-
UK Royal Navy shifts focus from warships to system-led warfare
With a revised Defence Investment Plan on the way ahead of the upcoming NATO Summit on 7-8 July, the UK government has begun to reveal more details of how its future naval fleet could look.
-
Funding for the future US Navy Trump-class battleship sparks controversy in Congress
Lawmakers question the US Navy’s proposed $2 billion investment in the Trump-class battleship as concerns over cost, technology maturity and operational relevance fuel growing bipartisan scrutiny on Capitol Hill.
-
Germany sinks F126 frigate programme in favour of cheaper MEKO A-200
On 24 June 2026, the German Ministry of Defence announced it was cancelling the F126 frigate programme in favour of procuring eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates.