Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has been awarded a $118 million contract to provide remote weapon turrets for the ACV-30 amphibious vehicles of the U.S. Marine Corps.
This deal confirms the full-rate production of 101 RT20 remote turret systems—the Protector 20—which are medium-caliber cannon systems tailored for the ACV-30 fleet.
The contract includes costs for turret manufacturing, testing, fielding, logistics support, and spare parts. Should all contract options be exercised, the total value could reach $271.5 million.
Work will be divided between Norway and Pennsylvania, with the entire project expected to conclude by September 2027. Coordination will occur with the Marine Corps Systems Command in Virginia.
Boosting Amphibious Capabilities
This acquisition is part of a wider Department of Defense effort to modernize the Marine Corps’ aging amphibious platforms, replacing legacy vehicles from the 1970s. The ACV family includes several mission-specific variants, and the ACV-30, which mounts a 30mm cannon, began full-rate production in April 2025.
Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, remarked that the contract reflects the company’s commitment to enhancing the Marine Corps’ operational capabilities with superior firepower and performance.
RT20: Modern Tech for Modern Combat
Kongsberg’s RT20 turret system emphasizes crew safety while delivering precise firepower. It incorporates cutting-edge fire control and sensors, along with a linkless ammo system.
The turret is equipped with programmable airburst rounds, a coaxial 7.62mm gun, optional secondary weapons, and can be reloaded from inside the vehicle. It supports both single and dual operator modes, and offers advanced capabilities including hunter-killer engagement, target sharing, anti-tank missile integration, and active protection systems, with an effective range of up to 3,000 meters.
