U.S., Israeli firms team on weapons work

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CHARLOTTE, N.C., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. and Israeli companies are working together to offer remote weapons stations to the U.S. military.

General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. said the Rafael's Samson RWS will be offered in four variants, which can handle weapons such as machine guns -- 56mm to .50 caliber -- 40mm grenade launchers and cannons up to 40mm.

The Samson line can be integrated onto new or existing light to heavy combat vehicles, the companies said. Among the variants are the MKI, which is fielded in Afghanistan on Czech army Pandurs and configurations in service with the Israeli military.

Combining the market-leading features of the Samson RWS product line and General Dynamics' weapon and vehicle integration experience allows our team to bring affordable, leap-ahead capability to existing vehicle modernization and next-generation ground combat and amphibious vehicle programs," said Steve Elgin, vice president and general manager of armament systems for General Dynamics Armament and Technical Products.

The remote weapons stations would be produced in the United States.