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Counter-UAV warfare: KNDS cutting-edge systems to protect units

Paris, 19th June 2024

  • KNDS offers gun-based solutions fighting air threats such as UAVs.

  • KNDS integrates gun or missile-based solutions on its systems as shown on the SERVAL.

The extensive and successful use of the Gepard system in Ukraine shows the need of close air defense systems on modern battlefield. Today, KNDS offers two versions of the SERVAL vehicle made for counter-UAV and short-range air defense warfare: they are equipped either with the ARX 30 remotely controlled weapon station or a Mistral ATLAS RC turret.

The next generation of 30mm weapon systems

To ensure a maximum counter-UAV capacity, KNDS offers the RCT30 that equips the Boxer and develops the ARX 30.

The ARX 30 is the perfect system to protect company level units or to integrate as secondary weapon on main battle tanks such as KNDS’ next generation MBTs. It integrates a very low recoil 30mm gun with a range of 1km. The anti-air capacity is provided by a dedicated fire control system and a 30x113mm airburst ammunition. In that field, KNDS is one of the few companies that masters chronometric as well as the proximity fuse.

KNDS also offers the RCT30 remote-controlled turret. Its optronic sighting devices allow the entire crew 360° all-round surveillance, detection and identification of long-range targets. Its airburst-capable, fully stabilised 30mm automatic gun enables precise firing even when driving. The turret allows situation-specific target engagement with its automatic double-belt dual-feed system.

The RAPIDFire: the new sea-proven CIWS is going to land

The RAPIDFire naval and land turret made by KNDS and Thales is equipped with a 40mm CTA gun to address all threats up to 4km. The turrets in service in the French Navy have proven excellent capacities during conclusive naval live-fire tests. As the system is now sea-proven and production is ongoing, KNDS also considers the land application of the RAPIDFire on various types of platform such as 6x6 or 8x8 armoured vehicles or integrated in a STANAG compliant flatrack.

In parallel, KNDS and Thales consider to expand the RAPIDFire product line with additional capabilities such as integration of anti-air missiles, an integrated radar, a laser beam-riding system to fire guided ammunition and reinforced AI.

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Press contact

Dr. Kurt Braatz
Chief Communications Officer
Phone: +31 20 218 4710
E-Mail: kurt.braatz (at) knds.nl

KNDS (KMW+NEXTER Defense Systems) is the result of the association of Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and Nexter, two of the leading European manufacturers of military land systems based in Germany and France. KNDS forms a Group of 8,300 employees, with a 2020 revenue of 2.4 billion euro, an order backlog of around 10,6 billion euro and incoming orders of 3,3 billion euro. The range of its products includes main battle tanks, armored vehicles, artillery systems, weapons systems, ammunition, military bridges, customer services, battle management systems, training solutions, protection solutions and a wide range of equipment. The formation of KNDS represents the beginning of consolidation in land defense systems industry in Europe. The strategic alliance between KMW and Nexter enhances both groups’ competitiveness and international positions, as well as their ability to meet the needs of their respective national army. In addition, it offers to its European and NATO customers the opportunity of increased standardization and interoperability for their defense equipment, with a dependable industrial base. KNDS headquarters are based in Amsterdam.