MSI-Defence Systems is bringing a compact gun mount to the drone fight.
The “TERRAHAWK RAPTOR” is a remote weapon station (RWS) designed for counter-drone operations. It can carry a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun, with a 40mm automatic grenade launcher also available as an option.
The company describes the system as the lightest counter-drone gun mount in its portfolio. Built in the UK for British forces, its compact design allows it to be fitted to tactical vehicles and unmanned ground vehicles.
MSI developed RAPTOR in response to drone threats across Europe, particularly explosive first-person-view drones and reconnaissance aircraft that older armored vehicles struggle to counter.
“TERRAHAWK RAPTOR was designed to meet this need, and transform vehicle platforms into highly effective mobile air defense units capable of rapid response against swarming threats,” said John Meldrum, managing director at MSI, as quoted by Defence Blog.
RAPTOR’s Roots and What’s Next
RAPTOR builds on MSI’s earlier RWS solutions, which the company said are in service with more than 40 armed forces.
Ukraine’s 156th Anti-Aircraft Missile Regiment has operated TERRAHAWK PALADIN, an earlier system armed with a Bushmaster chain gun, to counter drone threats.
MSI said the TERRAHAWK platform can be configured with different payloads, sensors, and movement limits to meet users’ requirements.
Looking further ahead, the company plans to adapt RAPTOR into a compact modular launcher capable of firing interceptors, rockets, and other small munitions.
