Israel's Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has released footage of its Typhoon remote controlled weapons station, which is capable of downing small drones. The demonstration was conducted last month ahead of the International Defense Exhibition and Conference (IDEX) and the Naval Defense Exhibition (NAVDEX) in the United Arab Emirates. The Typhoon Mk-30c and the 25mm Typhoon variant are in service with several navies around the world, including the US Navy. However, the new counter-drone capability adds to the types of missions the gun can perform.
Counter-drone capability for Typhoon family
The company has 32 customers worldwide for the Typhoon and has installed 750 of the systems. The system offers the operator fire correction, which can minimize the number of rounds needed to down a UAV. The system fires bursts of 10 rounds, and the company says one or two bursts is enough to down a drone threat. The company also noted that drone swarms are an issue that forces must address “one by one, and do it fast.”
Enhanced magazine capacity and operational range
The company has enhanced the magazine capacity from 200 to 400 rounds, so the system does not need to be reloaded too often. The capability is operational and has a range of approximately 3 kilometers (1.9 miles). Rafael is offering it to customers as an upgrade to existing systems.
Focus on Spike NLOS missile system
Rafael is also focusing on its sixth-generation Spike NLOS missile system, which it announced last year and customers can now install on ships. With a standoff range of 32 kilometers, the sixth-gen version can simultaneously attack a single or different targets with four missiles. Rafael says its Spike family of systems has been sold to 39 countries, including 19 NATO countries.
Opportunities in the Gulf market
In the wake of the Abraham Accords, which saw the Jewish state improve diplomatic relations with several Arab neighbors, the Gulf is a new market for Israel. Rafael hopes to increase business in the region and sees NAVDEX as an opportunity to highlight these types of weapons because of the drone threat in the “neighborhood” – a reference to the Gulf and nearby areas.
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