Rheinmetall automatic cannon for Gripen
Rheinmetall is to equip Gripen NG fighter aircraft with the BK27 automatic cannon featuring a new linkless ammunition feeding system, under a contract announced by the company on 1 March.
The contract, awarded to Rheinmetall by Saab, will see 88 Gripen aircraft for Brazil and Sweden equipped with the Mauser 27mm revolver cannon.
Delivery will take place during the 2017-2025 timeframe, and Rheinmetall will provide service support and spare parts.
The linked ammunition-feeding version of the gas operated revolver cannon serves as the standard weapon in the multi-role Tornado, while the Eurofighter features the linkless version. Some 3,500 systems have been manufactured to date, and Rheinmetall also offers the accompanying ammunition for the weapon system.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent]()
Top-level commitments but no meat in UK Defence Industrial Strategy’s Statement of Intent
The initial document focused more on creating the right partnerships and inspiring investment in defence than on any details of how future UK Armed Forces would be armed.
-
![UK begins process on new industrial strategy]()
UK begins process on new industrial strategy
The first stage of developing a new UK Defence Industrial Strategy has highlighted failings in current structures with solutions expected to be proposed in next year’s full strategy.
-
![Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west]()
Romanians put pro-Russian candidate into presidential runoff even as the government spends west
Romania joined NATO more than two decades ago and the country is vital to the alliance’s geographic reach and its ability to supply Ukraine with weapons.
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
