The authoritative military publication, the Israel Defense reported that Elbit Systems will supply the Austrian Army with new WS4 Panther remotely operated weapon system (ROWS) through its wholly-owned subsidiary in Austria, ESL Advanced Information Technology (ESLAIT) GmbH.
Col. Christoph Philipp, Staff Officer, Force Development Division, Austrian Ministry of Defense, revealed that the system is currently being integrated by the Austrian Armed Forces Logistics Center, with this effort scheduled for completion in 2019. Meanwhile, simulation, assembly, and documentation are being provided by ESLAIT.
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The remotely operated weapon system family is a third-generation, high-precision, multi-purpose weapon system for small and mid-caliber weapons. With modular, dual-weapon capabilities, the ROWS is designed for dynamic or static operation, to be used on ground stationary, ground mobile or naval platforms.
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The standard WS4 can be equipped with a 7.62 mm or 12.7 mm machine gun, or a 40 mm automatic grenade launcher fed from the left-hand-side using an ammunition chute.