Technology: Israel’s Rafael Demonstrates New Counter-Drone System with Live Fire Test of TYPHOON 30 RWS.

On March 31, 2025, Israeli company RAFAEL Advanced Defense Systems Ltd., one of the country’s premier defense contractors, announced the successful completion of a live-fire test of its advanced TYPHOON 30 Remote Weapon Station (RWS). The test, conducted in February 2025, validated the system’s superior counter-drone capabilities, reinforcing its strategic role in Counter-Unmanned Aerial Systems (C-UAS) operations.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

RAFAEL’s TYPHOON 30 Remote Weapon Station mounted on a modular platform during a live-fire demonstration in Israel, February 2025. Equipped with a 30mm Bushmaster II cannon and advanced sensor suite, the system showcases its precision engagement capabilities against aerial threats, including drones. (Picture source: Rafael)

Conducted at an undisclosed location in Israel, the demonstration showcased the TYPHOON 30’s ability to detect, track, and neutralize hostile drones across various engagement ranges. The test emphasized the system’s precision and rapid engagement capabilities, confirming its readiness for the demands of contemporary drone warfare.

One of the key highlights of the test was the deployment of the TYPHOON 30 RWS on a 20-foot modular platform. This configuration reflects RAFAEL’s focus on operational flexibility, supporting fast and efficient integration across a variety of platforms including armored vehicles, naval vessels, and stationary defense points. This modular approach enables rapid deployment in both conventional and asymmetric warfare scenarios.

At the heart of the TYPHOON 30 RWS lies the Northrop Grumman Mk44 Bushmaster II 30mm automatic cannon, capable of firing NATO-standard 30×173mm ammunition. This includes high-explosive and programmable airburst munitions, ideal for engaging fast-moving and low-signature aerial targets. With a firing rate of up to 200 rounds per minute and an elevation range of up to 70 degrees, the system is optimized for engaging small and medium-class unmanned aerial systems (UAS). Its onboard magazine supports up to 200 ready rounds, ensuring sustained engagement during high-intensity operations.

The system is equipped with an advanced electro-optical suite that includes day/night cameras, thermal imaging, and automatic fire correction tools. These technologies ensure accurate threat engagement under all conditions. The integration of RADA’s MHR RPS-42 radar system and CONTROP’s iSea-25 electro-optical payload further enhances detection and tracking capabilities, delivering comprehensive 360-degree situational awareness and enabling real-time targeting and autonomous threat neutralization.

The growing importance of C-UAS systems has been sharply underscored by the recent conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza. In Ukraine, both Russian and Ukrainian forces have heavily relied on drones for surveillance, targeting, and offensive operations, revealing significant vulnerabilities on the battlefield. The extensive use of drones in these operations has emphasized the need for advanced counter-drone technologies to protect both static and mobile military assets. Similarly, in Gaza, the increasing reliance on drone tactics by non-state actors has demonstrated how low-cost UAS platforms can be used for intelligence gathering and precision attacks, raising the stakes for effective air defense.

As drone warfare continues to evolve and proliferate, RAFAEL’s TYPHOON 30 RWS offers an essential solution for modern military forces. Its modularity, firepower, and advanced sensor integration position it as a versatile and effective system for neutralizing aerial threats and defending strategic assets across multiple operational domains.

The successful completion of this test reaffirms RAFAEL’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge defense solutions that meet the rapidly changing demands of the modern battlefield. The TYPHOON 30 RWS is not only a response to emerging threats, but a proactive step in redefining the standards of remote weapon station performance in the age of drone warfare.