MSI Defence has unveiled the LW20G short-range air defence system utilising General Dynamics’ XM915 compact 20x102 mm Gatling gun at DSEI UK 2025 exhibition.
The new air defence system from MSI Defence, which has been focusing on cannon-based C-UAS systems as cheap alternatives, brings back the XM915 Gatling gun from the cancelled FARA light attack helicopter programme with the LW20G.
LW20G is a utilises the highly compact XM915 Gatling gun with size and weight comparable to heavy machine guns despite the 20 mm calibre, capable of firing rates between 750 and 1500 RPM. The gun with a range of two kilometres uses the M940 self-destructing multi-purpose ammunition. MSI Defence claims that the average cost of a kill for the system is $1500.
The turret also uses an independently moving sensor suite with the Ku-band Echoshield radar and coaxial TV/IR optics.
Mainly intended for C-UAS use, MSI Defence states that LW20G can also be used for C-RAM, which might be thanks to the onboard Echoshield radar, as the manufacturer Echodyne claims that Echodyne’s metamaterial electronically scanned array (MESA) is fit for C-RAM.
In a way, LW20G can be summarised as a considerably downscaled Centurion C-RAM in some respects, drawing from technological advancements to allow fitting on smaller platforms and adding new capabilities in accordance with modern threats.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor:Özgür Ekşi
