Northrop Grumman Corporation is partnering with Hanwha Defense Australia to provide Mk44 Stretch Bushmaster (Mk44S) automatic cannons for integration into the Hanwha Redback infantry fighting vehicle.
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As part of Australia’s LAND 400 Phase 3 program, the contract calls for the production of 129 automatic cannons, with initial deliveries starting in 2026.
The Mk44S allows interoperability with Northrop Grumman’s advanced ammunition suite, developed for the U.S. Army, and includes new airburst programmable ammunition, providing Australia with the most advanced ammunition technology available.
More than 20,000 Bushmaster Chain Guns are in service on land, air, and sea combat platforms in 65 allied nations worldwide.
Jennifer Zonneveld, director of Bushmaster Chain Guns at Northrop Grumman, commented: “Bushmaster automatic cannons are the preferred choice of customers worldwide due to their performance and reliability. In partnership with the Redback team led by Hanwha, Northrop Grumman is providing the Australian Army with the world’s most advanced medium-caliber capability, ensuring the system’s relevance for years to come.”
This program will continue the Bushmaster legacy in Australia, as the automatic cannons are currently integrated into the land, air, and sea combat platforms of the Australian Defence Force.
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Northrop Grumman’s advanced ammunition suite includes multifunction airburst ammunition, armor-piercing ammunition, and proximity fuse ammunition, allowing crew members to defeat a wide range of ground and air threats by selecting the ideal ammunition at any time.
Source and images: Northrop Grumman Video: Twitter @SavunmaTekno