In Sweden, the Defense Procurement Administration, Försvarets materielverk, has signed a contract worth 400 million Swedish kronor, or about 37 million euros, with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) for the supply of a large number of Remote Weapon Stations (RCWS) also destined for the Combat Vehicle 90 (CV90).
The RCWA VS02, a modernized version of the VS01 weapon station (Protector Nordic) already in service in Army units, allows operators to use the armament inside the vehicle, protected by armor.
Enhanced Capabilities of the VS02
The VS02 adds a number of significant features, thanks to its integrated sensors and the ability to operate with various weapon systems at greater distances for the protection of the vehicle.
The RCWS VS02 adds significantly increased capability to all platforms on which it is integrated, including, as mentioned, the newly produced Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) CV90 being acquired by the Swedish Army.
Integration on the CV90 Platform, CAVS 6×6, and Archer
In addition to being installed on the IFV version of the CV90, the VS02 will also be implemented on the three derived versions of the CV90 for support tasks.
Moreover, the contract just awarded to KONGSBERG also includes integration activities with the CV90 platform. The Swedish Defense is already in the process of acquiring the RCWS VS02 for the 300 armored vehicles, the Patria 6×6 of the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) program that Stockholm has decided to join, and for the Archer 155/52 mm self-propelled artillery of which 48 new production units on RMMV HX 8×8 high mobility off-road chassis were ordered in 2023.
The RCWS Protector RS4, a highly flexible system, is designed for heavy and medium machine guns or automatic grenade launchers including the mounting of co-axial weapons and anti-tank weapons.
An advanced, modular sensor suite allows for unique and customizable situational awareness. The fully stabilized 2 + 2 axis system allows the gunner to keep the sight on the target, regardless of the ballistic solution for the weapon and ammunition in use.
Source: Försvarets materielverk (FMV)
Photo credit @Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG)
