New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS
Northrop Grumman’s M230LF Chain Gun is finding a growing role in countering uncrewed aerial systems, with the 30mm weapon already deployed to Ukraine and adopted by US forces.
DARPA targets infantry squad effectiveness
Raytheon has been awarded a Phase One contract by DARPA to develop new technologies to increase the effectiveness and safety of infantry squads, the company announced on 21 January.
The contract, valued at $2.5 million, was awarded under DARPA’s Squad X Core Technologies (SXCT) programme. This programme aims to speed development of new, integrated, lightweight systems to provide better awareness, adaptability and flexibility to infantry squads in complex environments. The programme will also help dismounted soldiers and marines to understand and control their mission environments.
Raytheon is a prime contractor for research into technologies for squad autonomy. The SXCT programme will provide real-time knowledge to squad members about their own and teammates’ locations within 20 feet (6 meters) in GPS-denied environments. The new technologies will collaborate with unmanned ground and air systems.
Tom Bussing, vice president, advanced missile systems, Raytheon, said: ‘We are working to enable ground troops to more effectively operate in urban and complex environments. Raytheon’s experience as the systems integrator for DARPA’s Persistent Close Air Support programme, which offered distributed coordination between air and ground forces, will provide an ideal starting point to help squads effectively perform manned and unmanned teaming.’
You may also like
More from Land Warfare
-
![New uses for proven weapons: adapting the Chain Gun for CUAS]()
-
![KNDS points RCH 155 towards longer-range artillery future]()
KNDS points RCH 155 towards longer-range artillery future
KNDS Deutschland has fitted a tracked RCH 155 with a new KNDS France 155mm/58cal ordnance, opening a potential path towards significantly longer-range artillery and a future beyond the current NATO standard.
-
![Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme]()
Companies downselected for British Army vehicle programme
It is believed that three companies did not make the downselect but a dark horse in Spain’s Iturri is believed to have got through.
-
![Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements]()
Air defence offerings multiply in anticipation of emerging requirements
Air defence and counter-drone weapons continue to be developed, tested and demonstrated in anticipation of growing demand, with most solutions designed to be platform-agnostic and readily integrated onto suitable platforms.
-
![September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight]()
September land forces roundup: DVD 2026 puts British Army requirements in the spotlight
The US Army began its search for a 155mm tracked mobile tactical cannon in an effort that Shephard forecasts could be worth billions of dollars. Meanwhile, the UK DVD exhibition saw companies showcase their offerings for the British Army’s mobility and air defence requirements.
-
![BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV]()
BAE Systems looks beyond the M113 replacement as it tests 30mm AMPV
The development demonstrates how the platform could provide additional firepower and growth potential while the US Army progresses its long-term replacement for the Bradley.
