Leonardo fires up small calibre naval gun development as Italy nears first Lionfish X-Gun handover
Both a linked and a linkless version of the X-Gun are being developed. (Photo: Leonardo)
Alongside progress on its Lionfish contracts, Leonardo emphasised its shift in focus from traditional larger calibre systems toward smaller calibre solutions, epitomised by the X-Gun’s inception in 2017.
Leonardo has showcased its latest family of naval and land guns as it was set to complete environmental and STANAG qualification on its X-Gun 30mm.
The Italian defence company’s Brescia (near Milan, Italy) facility has traditionally produced gun systems of 40mm and above. In 2017, however, it saw a gap in the market for smaller calibres and started designing its X-Gun. Conceived with C-UAS missions in mind initially, Leonardo aimed its business crosshairs at fresh frontiers of the defence market, unleashing its homegrown gun technology in the hope of conquering territory traditionally dominated by US manufacturers.
The first two of six Lionfish
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![HII revenues down in 2024, but Mission Technologies arm blooms]()
HII revenues down in 2024, but Mission Technologies arm blooms
The shipbuilder has been dealing with a pre-Covid 19 backlog as well as winning new business.
-
![Egypt wins $625 million US deal to modernise its Ambassador IV fast-attack ships]()
Egypt wins $625 million US deal to modernise its Ambassador IV fast-attack ships
The State Department said the sale will increase the Egyptian Navy's tactical capabilities.
-
![Singapore’s navy starts naval patrols with uncrewed vessels]()
Singapore’s navy starts naval patrols with uncrewed vessels
The unmanned patrol vessels have utilised collision-avoidance AI and expertise from Western allies in their design and construction.
-
![US Navy seeks the best combinations of crewed vessels with commercial UAVs and USVs]()
US Navy seeks the best combinations of crewed vessels with commercial UAVs and USVs
The service will conduct Operation Southern Spear to identify the most appropriate manned/unmanned formations for domain awareness and counternarcotics operations.
-
![Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed]()
Learning from Japan: how to transform a fleet at speed
At a recent event in London, lessons were shared based on the experiences of the Japanese Navy and how it has been building a fleet rapidly.
-
![Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile]()
Lockheed Martin wins contract to build the Trident II D5 Life Extension missile
The company will also invest in new production facilities to service the ongoing need for the D5LE2.
