Integration of C-UAS Capabilities into U.S. Army Remote Weapon Stations
Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, the U.S. subsidiary of Norway’s defense manufacturer, is collaborating with the U.S. Army to enhance the counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities of its extensive fleet of remote weapon stations (RWSs). This initiative falls under the Army’s existing Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) program, which has seen the deployment of approximately 17,000 Kongsberg Protector RWSs over two decades.
Modernizing Legacy Systems
John McGee, the business development director for Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace Inc., articulated the company’s approach during the 2025 Association of the U.S. Army (AUSA) exhibition.
- Objective: Transition legacy CROWS systems to contemporary digital platforms by replacing obsolete components.
- Methodology: Enhance existing RWSs by integrating advanced sensor technologies without the need for entirely new hardware.
McGee emphasized the potential of existing systems: “We can transform each CROWS unit the Army currently operates into a robust counter-UAS platform.” This transformation leverages partnerships with sensor providers, utilizing radar as a primary gestural technology and Kongsberg’s collaborative fire control systems to connect platforms.
Layered Defense Architecture
Drawing an analogy to the multifaceted layers of an onion, McGee described how a comprehensive air defense framework could be established:
- Core Protection: The foundational layer consists of the vehicles equipped with modernized CROWS systems.
- Expanding Defense Bubbles: As these vehicles gain enhanced self-protection capabilities, they create interlinked zones of defense.
This networked approach allows each vehicle—and the composite formation—to establish overlapping spheres of protection against aerial threats, thereby enhancing the unit’s overall operational security.
Sensor Agnosticism and Engagement Range
Kongsberg remains flexible regarding sensors needed for the C-UAS upgrade, with radar being a vital component to identify threats. The existing RWSs are equipped with opto-electronic targeting systems, and at AUSA 2025, an example of the C-UAS enhancement was showcased with the Echodyne EchoShield radar, which tracks threats over distances exceeding 10 kilometers.
McGee provided insights on engagement ranges, noting that performance is dependent on the specific weapon station and its munitions. “We have achieved effective ranges of up to 1,200 meters utilizing a .50 caliber machine gun,” he remarked.
The M153 CROWS RWS supports a range of weapons including the M2 .50 caliber machine gun, M240B 7.62 mm medium machine gun, M249 5.56 mm Squad Automatic Weapon, and the MK19 grenade machine gun.
International Support and Contracts
Kongsberg’s C-UAS solutions are not confined to U.S. soil. The company has enhanced capabilities for Ukrainian forces, integrating Teledyne FLIR sensors to donated RWSs through the multinational CORTEX Typhon program.
Additionally, Kongsberg was awarded an indefinite delivery/indefinite quantity contract by the U.S. Marine Corps in September 2021. This contract focuses on producing Marine Air Defense Integrated System (MADIS) RWSs, employing the Protector RS6 framework equipped with a low-recoil 30 mm cannon. The overall MADIS Mk1 system is designed for C-UAS operations and features integration with Stinger missiles mounted on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles.
Conclusion: A Forward-Looking Strategy
Kongsberg’s initiative to revamp existing RWS platforms into sophisticated C-UAS solutions supports enhanced situational awareness and air defense capabilities for U.S. and allied forces. By leveraging existing infrastructure and integrating state-of-the-art technologies, the company ensures that operators can adapt to the evolving aerial threat landscape effectively. This strategic evolution in defense capabilities is crucial for maintaining operational readiness and safeguarding personnel on the battlefield.
