Breaking News
Oshkosh’s MCWS Enhances Lethality and Precision of U.S. Stryker Units at AUSA 2024.
At the 2024 edition of the Association of the United States Army (AUSA) exhibition, Oshkosh Defense introduced the new 30mm Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS), mounted on the U.S. Army’s Stryker armored vehicle. This system, designed to increase the firepower and accuracy of the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs), highlights the U.S. industry’s ability to develop adaptable and effective solutions for modern operational challenges.
Compact and lightweight, the MCWS maintains the Stryker’s mobility and protective capabilities, allowing it to navigate challenging terrains while effectively engaging targets at long range (Picture source: Army Recognition)
The Oshkosh Defense MCWS is built to meet the needs of Stryker combat brigades, providing greater firepower and enhanced precision at extended ranges. The integration of a Javelin anti-tank missile launcher significantly expands the Stryker’s tactical versatility, allowing units to address a wider range of battlefield threats, including armored targets at greater distances. This armament configuration leverages the Rafael Samson Remote Weapon System and the XM813 30mm cannon, replacing the previous Stryker “Dragoon” model while delivering uncompromised lethality.
Since being awarded the MCWS contract in 2021, Oshkosh Defense has worked closely with the U.S. Army to tailor the weapon system to the specific requirements of the Stryker mission. In May 2024, the MCWS successfully completed the Follow-on Operational Test and Evaluation (FOT&E) at the Yakima training center, where rigorous live-fire and realistic combat simulations enabled soldiers to provide crucial feedback. To date, Oshkosh has delivered more than 100 MCWS units, with full deployment anticipated in early 2025, marking a key milestone in the Army’s modernization process.
The MCWS is designed not only for immediate operational needs but also to address future threats through advanced technology integration. Key improvements include a dual feed linkless Ammunition Handling System, allowing continuous resupply in dynamic combat scenarios, enhanced day/night optics, and increased ammunition capacity, which together enhance the unit's survivability and decision-making capability.
Compact and lightweight, the MCWS maintains the Stryker’s mobility and protective capabilities, allowing it to navigate challenging terrains while effectively engaging targets at long range. Pat Williams, head of programs at Oshkosh Defense, emphasized that soldier feedback was instrumental in refining the system’s features. “The system we’re delivering today is directly shaped by soldiers’ feedback. Their input has helped define this program’s requirements, and we’re proud to provide a system that meets their needs on the modern battlefield,” he stated.
The large-scale deployment of the MCWS aligns with the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts, equipping the SBCTs with high-performance solutions while maintaining budget efficiency (Picture source: Oshkosh)
Oshkosh Defense foresees promising future applications for the MCWS beyond the Stryker Brigade Combat Teams. With its modular and lightweight design, the MCWS can be integrated onto various vehicles and platforms. For example, it has already been mounted on BAE Systems’ Armored Multi-Purpose Vehicle (AMPV) and Oshkosh Defense’s Robotic Combat Vehicle (RCV), demonstrating its suitability for both manned and unmanned operations.
The MCWS also holds significant potential for international integration. Oshkosh introduced additional armament options at AUSA to meet the specific needs of allied partners. A variant with a pop-up anti-tank guided missile (ATGM) launcher is also being considered for foreign military clients, underscoring the system’s flexibility and potential in international markets.
The large-scale deployment of the MCWS aligns with the U.S. Army’s modernization efforts, equipping the SBCTs with high-performance solutions while maintaining budget efficiency. This system is both cost-effective and operationally capable, meeting the Army’s financial and performance goals. Furthermore, the deployment of this technology reflects the Army’s commitment to enhancing troop lethality and responsiveness on the front line.
Beyond being a solution for the U.S. Army, the MCWS could serve as a strategic asset for allied forces, strengthening partner nations’ defensive capabilities. Integrating this weapon system across multinational forces could shift military engagement dynamics, fostering enhanced interoperability among allied forces.