Compact Cannon for British Armored Vehicles

Compact Cannon for British Armored Vehicles

LONDON, July 2 (UPI) — Britain’s Ministry of Defense has contracted CTA International to supply a compact 40mm cannon system for the army’s armored fighting vehicles.

The system is the Cased Telescope cannon, which is more compact than currently fielded 40mm cannons. It features a thermal sleeve, automatic ammunition loading and a range of compact ammunition for use against armored vehicles, hardened targets such as buildings and against ground troops as well.

The weapon system will be integrated on Warrior infantry fighting vehicles and the Scout SV, which is under development.

The contract to CT International, a joint venture between BAE Systems of Britain and French company Nexter, is worth about $234.9 million and is for 515 systems.

“Signing the CT Cannon production contract is a major milestone for the UK’s Armed Forces,” said the Ministry of Defense’s Chief of Materiel (Land) Lt. Gen. Sir Chris Deverell. “It provides unrivalled firepower, a significantly reduced logistic burden and a new airburst ammunition capability.”