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Compact cannon for British armored vehicles

British infantry fighting vehicles receiving a new, compact 40mm cannon system.

By Richard Tomkins
Royal Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicles are to receive a new cannon system. Photo by davric
Royal Army Warrior infantry fighting vehicles are to receive a new cannon system. Photo by davric

LONDON, July 2 (UPI) -- Britain's Ministry of Defense has contracted CTA International to supply a compact 40mm cannon system for the army's armored fighting vehicles.

The system is the Cased Telescope cannon, which is more compact than currently fielded 40mm cannons. It features a thermal sleeve, automatic ammunition loading and a range of compact ammunition for use against armored vehicles, hardened targets such as buildings and against ground troops as well.

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The weapon system will be integrated on Warrior infantry fighting vehicles and the Scout SV, which is under development.

The contract to CT International, a joint venture between BAE Systems of Britain and French company Nexter, is worth about $234.9 million and is for 515 systems.

"Signing the CT Cannon production contract is a major milestone for the UK's Armed Forces," said the Ministry of Defense's Chief of Materiel (Land) Lt. Gen. Sir Chris Deverell. "It provides unrivalled firepower, a significantly reduced logistic burden and a new airburst ammunition capability."

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