The U.S. Department of Defense has contracted Oshkosh Defense to integrate the Medium Caliber Weapon System (MCWS), a 30 mm cannon onto Stryker combat vehicle.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense contract announcements, Oshkosh Defense was selected to build the new unmanned turreted auto-cannon system for Stryker in a potential contract worth up to $942,9 million.
Under the terms of the agreement, work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of June 2, 2027.
According to a company news release, Oshkosh Defense teamed with Pratt Miller and Rafael Advanced Defense Systems to deliver an MCWS that provides increased lethality, accuracy, and range while maintaining the mobility and survivability of the Stryker ICVVA1. Oshkosh will integrate onto the ICVVA1 chassis a 30mm weapon system based on Rafael Advanced Defense Systems’ proven SAMSON family of turrets. The contract calls for the integration of the Oshkosh MCWS onto three Stryker Brigade Combat Teams (SBCTs) as well as a full spectrum of system technical support, interim contractor logistics support, and integrated product support.
“The Oshkosh team brought together best-in-class capabilities for weapon system design, manufacturing, and integration to provide a highly capable solution that meets the Stryker MCWS program requirements today and offers the flexibility to upgrade tomorrow,” said Pat Williams, Vice President and General Manager of U.S. Army and U.S. Marine Corps Programs for Oshkosh Defense. “Our experienced team looks forward to supporting the Stryker program office to quickly field this capability to the Warfighter.”
The U.S. Army’s selection comes after the completion of the test and evaluation of Production Representative Sample Systems (PRSS) at Aberdeen Test Center in Maryland. The PRSS were evaluated against stringent vehicle and turret performance requirements.
The Army officials also said that the first delivery order covers 91 vehicles for a Stryker brigade valued at roughly $130 million.
The MCWS will retain the infantry carrier’s ability to transport nine infantry soldiers and will add “programmable airburst ammunition compatibility through dual feed ammunition handling system, improved optics and extended direct-fire range” over existing Stryker capabilities, the Army announcement states.