FN Herstal Increases firepower of its deFNder® Medium RWS by Integrating M230LF 30mm Cannon.

Belgian firearms manufacturer FN Herstal announced a significant upgrade to its deFNder® Medium remote weapon station, now capable of being armed with the Northrop Grumman M230LF 30x113mm cannon. This upgrade also includes a reversible conversion kit to enhance existing Remote Weapon Stations (RWS). The addition of the M230LF 30mm cannon equips the deFNder® Medium with the firepower comparable to a light Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV).
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The FN Herstal deFNder® Medium remote weapon station can now be armed with the Northrop Grumman M230LF 30x113mm cannon. (Picture source: FN Herstal)

The deFNder® Medium remote weapon station remains versatile, as it can also be armed with FN® machine guns, including FN Herstal’s high-rate-of-fire (1,100 rpm) .50 Cal (12.7x99mm NATO) FN® M3R, or a 40mm High Velocity Automatic Grenade Launcher (HV AGL). Its modular architecture allows it to be adapted for a wide range of applications, from static positions to manned or unmanned ground vehicles, and even naval vessels.

The Northrop Grumman M230LF is a 30mm chain gun that has been developed to provide enhanced versatility and effectiveness across various military platforms, including land, naval, and air applications. This weapon is an improved version of the original M230, which is widely recognized for its use on the AH-64 Apache attack helicopter.

The M230LF features a chain-driven automatic mechanism, which ensures reliable operation and minimizes the likelihood of jamming. It has a selectable rate of fire, typically ranging between 200 and 300 rounds per minute, allowing for flexible engagement depending on the tactical situation. The cannon is capable of firing a variety of 30mm ammunition, including high-explosive incendiary (HEI) rounds, which increases its adaptability to different combat scenarios.

With an effective range of approximately 1500 meters for ground targets, the M230LF provides significant standoff capability. Despite its power, the gun is relatively lightweight for its class, weighing around 160 pounds (72.6 kg) without ammunition. This makes it suitable for integration into a variety of platforms, from light armored vehicles and naval vessels to unmanned systems and aircraft.

The M230LF is utilized in several roles across different military branches. On land, it is often mounted on vehicles such as the Stryker and other armored personnel carriers, providing both offensive and defensive firepower. In naval applications, the M230LF can be mounted on patrol boats and other vessels, offering robust firepower for littoral and coastal operations. Additionally, it can be used on unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other aircraft, enhancing their capability to engage both ground and air targets effectively.

This new configuration positions FN Herstal uniquely in the market, being the sole partner to qualify its RWS with FN® machine guns, 40mm AGL, and the M230LF, all within a total combat-ready weight of less than 300 kg. This advancement offers unprecedented flexibility and firepower for modern defense needs.