IDET 2025: Czech CSG and Israeli Rafael present UT30MK3 30mm C-UAS remote weapon station.

On May 28, 2025, Czech defence group CSG and Israeli firm Rafael presented the UT30MK3 30mm C-UAS remote weapon station during the IDET 2025 international defence exhibition in Brno, Czech Republic. Designed to counter the rapidly evolving threat posed by unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and modern ground targets, this new system was showcased as a key innovation in the field of executive remote controlled weapon stations (RCWS) for armoured vehicles. The unveiling of this product reflects a growing demand among NATO and European armed forces for adaptable C-UAS solutions.
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The launch of the UT30MK3 positions CSG and Rafael to meet growing European and NATO demand for drone-defence capabilities on armoured vehicles (Picture source: Army Recognition Group)

The UT30MK3 is an advanced RCWS designed for seamless integration onto a wide range of armoured platforms. It can be operated in a fully automatic mode against drones or manually by vehicle crews. The turret features a stabilised 30mm cannon with dual feed, a coaxial 7.62mm machine gun, and optional anti-tank guided missile launchers. Its C-UAS capability is supported by a modular suite of kinetic and electronic effectors, advanced electro-optical sensors, and an automated fire control system with day/night optics and automatic target tracking. The system offers superior engagement against aerial and ground threats, while maintaining a low profile and minimal impact on vehicle architecture. 

Development of the UT30MK3 began several years ago as a collaborative effort between CSG and Rafael, responding to urgent operational feedback from recent conflicts, including the war in Ukraine, where drone warfare and asymmetric threats have significantly altered battlefield dynamics. Earlier variants of the UT30 turret family have already been deployed on Israeli and NATO vehicles. The latest MK3 version incorporates C-UAS-specific upgrades, including AI-powered tracking algorithms and electronic countermeasures. Unlike legacy RCWS platforms primarily focused on ground targets, the UT30MK3 is designed from the outset to address the drone threat spectrum, from low-cost commercial drones to tactical UAVs.

Compared to other similar systems, such as the Kongsberg Protector RCWS or the Rheinmetall Lance RCWS, the UT30MK3 stands out for its dedicated counter-UAS architecture and its modular approach to armament and sensors. While many RCWS solutions now advertise drone-countering features, few offer a fully integrated C-UAS suite as standard. The UT30MK3’s adaptability and low integration cost further enhance its competitiveness in a market where budget-conscious European armies seek flexible upgrade options for existing fleets.

Strategically, the launch of the UT30MK3 positions CSG and Rafael to meet growing European and NATO demand for drone-defence capabilities on armoured vehicles. The system aligns with NATO’s evolving counter-UAS doctrine, which emphasises layered protection for frontline units. Its debut at IDET 2025 also underscores the Czech Republic’s emergence as a key player in the European defence industrial base, with CSG increasingly acting as a bridge between Israeli and European defence technologies. In the current geopolitical climate, where hybrid threats and drone warfare are reshaping operational concepts, the UT30MK3 provides a much-needed capability enhancement.

The unveiling of the UT30MK3 at IDET 2025 highlights how European and Israeli defence collaboration continues to generate highly relevant solutions for today’s battlefields. By addressing the urgent need for armoured vehicles to counter the drone threat while maintaining flexibility against conventional targets, the UT30MK3 is poised to become a reference product in the RCWS market. Its performance in upcoming trials and export competitions will be closely followed by both industry and military observers.