German Navy Aims to Strengthen Anti-Drone Defense with New 30mm Cannon.

Published on 11 June 2025 under the title "qNFMLG – querschnittliche Nachfolgelösung für Marineleichtgeschütze", a public tender released via the official German e-procurement platform marks the beginning of a strategic modernization effort in the German Navy’s close-range defense capabilities. In a context where drones and asymmetric threats are playing an increasingly prominent role in contemporary conflicts, the Bundeswehr is initiating a structural transformation of its naval weapons systems.
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Among the industry contenders are Rheinmetall with the Sea Snake 30 (30×173 mm, ABM-capable, currently undergoing validation), Leonardo with the modular MARLIN 30 (NATO-certified), BAE Systems with its MGS (focused on drone defense), and potentially Elbit Systems with the NSG 30, though its airburst capability remains unconfirmed. (Picture source: Bae Systems)

At the core of this reform is the introduction of a new 30×173 mm caliber, intended to progressively replace the currently deployed 27 mm light naval guns. This development aims to improve effectiveness against light aerial targets, especially drones, but also surface and land-based threats, by using programmable airburst munitions. The doctrinal shift reflects operational requirements and signals a lasting change in the defensive posture of German naval vessels.

The tender provides for the acquisition of up to 175 complete systems, including special toolkits, spare parts, and training services, within a framework contract running from 19 October 2026 to 31 August 2041. The objective is to equip surface vessels with weapon systems capable of firing programmable airburst munitions, designed to counter dynamic threats such as drones more effectively.

The system must also feature an integrated electro-optical sensor suite with daylight camera, night vision, and laser rangefinder, and meet a TRL 9 technological maturity level, demonstrating that it has already been successfully deployed in real operational conditions. This requirement excludes any prototypes or concepts still in development in favor of systems that are commercially available and field-proven.

The initiative reflects a deeper transformation in defense planning. The existing 27 mm MLG 27 remains in service on F124 and F125 frigates, corvettes, and support ships, but lacks airburst capability. Even the upgraded MLG27-4.0, slated for the F126 frigates, does not meet this requirement. The new specifications demand a qualitative step forward toward systems capable of deploying fragmentation effects in the target area, increasing the likelihood of intercepting agile and low-signature drones that are difficult to detect and engage using conventional kinetic ammunition.

So far, the Bundeswehr has placed a firm order for 75 systems. An option for an additional 100 units is included, to allow for both the replacement of legacy equipment and the outfitting of future platforms such as the F127 frigates, the MUsE units, and the Class 424 fleet service ships. The latter, initially designed as unarmed vessels, are now set to be equipped with the new system, illustrating a shift toward systematic self-protection—even for non-combatant ships with sensitive roles.

Among the industry contenders are Rheinmetall with the Sea Snake 30 (30×173 mm, ABM-capable, currently undergoing validation), Leonardo with the modular MARLIN 30 (NATO-certified), BAE Systems with its MGS (focused on drone defense), and potentially Elbit Systems with the NSG 30, though its airburst capability remains unconfirmed. By comparison, Rheinmetall’s MLG27-4.0, while fielded and proven, does not meet the caliber or airburst criteria defined in the current tender.

The decision to shift to a 30 mm caliber represents a strategic pivot. The adoption of a more powerful munition, along with advanced programming features, enhances effectiveness against targets that are otherwise difficult to engage. It also lays the foundation for desirable standardization in logistics, maintenance, and crew training. The system may also be integrated in the future onto autonomous surface vessels or new naval intervention craft.

This program forms part of a broader fleet modernization effort, in line with recent trends such as Sweden’s arming of Visby-class corvettes with the Sea Ceptor air defense system, and a growing focus on close-in defense in hybrid operational environments. The decision to arm Class 424 fleet service ships, originally planned to operate without active defenses, reflects an increasing recognition that even non-combat platforms require credible self-protection.

The qNFMLG program thus goes beyond technical renewal. It reflects a doctrinal adjustment driven by operational realities: drones, while inexpensive, represent significant threats requiring technically mature, immediately deployable, and standardized countermeasures. With this initiative, the German Navy is initiating a new phase in its approach to close-range defense, based on firepower, programmable munitions, and fully validated technology.