CTAI delivers 40mm cannon to UK
CTA International (CTAI), a joint venture between BAE Systems and Nexter Systems, has delivered the first production standard Cased Telescoped Cannon System to the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) in Bourges, France, BAE Systems announced on 21 March.
The new 40mm cannons will be used by the British Army on the Warrior and Ajax armoured vehicles. A total of 515 systems will be delivered.
The cannon fires 40mm cased telescoped ammunition. The ammunition is contained in a straight tube and can deliver a charge that is four times more powerful than the 30mm rounds it replaces. Armour piercing and training rounds have been developed for the cannon so far; point detonating rounds that can penetrate thick concrete and an airburst round for engaging light vehicles and infantry spread over a large area are currently undergoing qualification. An anti-aerial airburst round for airborne targets is also under development.
The cannon uses a new rotating breech system, with ammunition loaded at a 90 degree angle to the barrel before being rotated into firing position. This design saves space in the vehicle, creating extra room to store more ammunition or equipment.
Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, said: ‘This next-generation cannon has been developed through close Anglo-French collaboration and adds significantly to the capability of the UK and our NATO allies. The delivery of the first cannon on our Ajax vehicles is another example of how our £178 billion investment in UK defence is ensuring our armed forces have the equipment they need.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Land Warfare
-
![Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2025)]()
Leopard MBT: Alpha beast gets a reboot (updated 2025)
Leopard MBTs are German-made main battle tanks that have been in service since the Cold War and have undergone several upgrades to remain competitive in modern warfare. This article traces the history and development of the Leopard 1 and 2, its variants, its operational service and its future prospects.
-
![World Defense Show 2026 to unite global and local innovation]()
World Defense Show 2026 to unite global and local innovation
Saudi Arabia’s showpiece event for the defence industry will return in 2026 as it attempts to foster global defence collaboration, promote opportunity within the Kingdom and demonstrate technological innovation from across the Middle East.
-
![Canadian Army to progress with ACSV programme in 2025]()
Canadian Army to progress with ACSV programme in 2025
The Armoured Combat Support Vehicle will also achieve several milestones in the coming years.
-
![UK commits $2 billion to Ukraine for missiles as Europe speaks up]()
UK commits $2 billion to Ukraine for missiles as Europe speaks up
The contract builds on a previous contract with Thales which was signed in September 2024 for 650 missiles. Deliveries of these began in late 2024 and the new contract ensures continued supply.
-
![Sweden orders $131 million worth of trucks for armed forces]()
Sweden orders $131 million worth of trucks for armed forces
The deal with Volvo and Scania includes 300 4×4 truck and 300 6×6 trucks, with both orders including options for a further 200 vehicles.
