AUSA 2018: CMI Defence ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA 30mm weapon station on Stryker armored.

CMI DeFence America, a subsidiary of Belgian Company CMI Defence presents its new weapon station 30mm cannon ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA (Cooperative Research and Development Agreement) mounted on Stryker 8x8 armored vehicle at AUSA 2018, the Association of United States Army Defense Exhibition and Conference that was held in Washington D.C., United States in October 2018.

CMI Defence America ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA 30mm cannon weapon station mounted on Stryker 8x8 armored at AUSA 2018, Association of United States Army defense exhibition in Washington D.C., United States. (Picture source Army Recognition)

In 2016, Belgian Company CMI Defence was selected by U.S. Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for a Research and Development program focused on Medium Caliber Armament Systems. The new turret was developed in collaboration with the US Army Armament Research, Development and Engineering Center (ARDEC) for the Next Generation Medium Caliber Armament System (MCAS) programme of the US Army.

October 4, 2018, a video was released on the YouTube account of CMI Groupe showing the CMI Defence turret Cockerill 3030 CRADA during firing test. The turret is mounted on a Stryker 8x8 armoured vehicle which is in service in different configurations by the U.S. armed forces.

The ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA is two man-turret based on a modular concept offering the possibility to easily integrate a wide range of cannons from 30mm to 105mm. The turret was design by CMI Defence in Belgium in collaboration to meet specific requirements of US Army. The turret is armed with one XM813, the US Army’s linkless 30mm medium-calibre automatic cannon. In terms of sight and protection, the turret integrates FLIR vision system, grenade launchers, SAAB laser warning system and ARDEC fire control system.

The ARDEC Cockerill 3030 CRADA seems to be upgraded with new armour solution to increase protection against ballistic threats.

The urgent need for a larger Stryker offensive weapon was generated in June 2015 followed by the selection of the Kongsberg turret and Orbital ATK XM813 30mm cannon in December. The U.S. Army’s intent is to field a brigade with a mix of conventional Strykers and some other combat vehicles will have a 30mm cannon while the rest retain the remote weapon station with a .50 caliber Browning M2 machine gun.