The Mk 38 Mod 2 main weapon is the M242 25mm Chain Gun, a proven NATO standard cannon with selectable rates of fire. The Mk 38 Mod 2 MGS fires all USN-approved 25mm ammunition at up to 180 rounds per minute, with 168 rounds on-mount. Additionally, the systems’ 4-axis stabilized electro-optical sensor provides round the clock surveillance capability, enhancing the ship’s overall mission effectiveness.
Nine U.S. Naval ships currently have Mk 38 Mod 2 systems in service and have demonstrated excellent overall performance. The combined Mk 38 Mod 2 Government/contractor team recently completed a major upgrade to bring all mounts up to the current production configuration. Similar systems have been acquired for the Australian Armidale class patrol boats (photo below).
BAE Systems teamed with RAFAEL Armament Development Authority, Ltd., for the development and production of the Mk 38 Mod 2. The system is assembled and tested at BAE Systems’ Louisville, Kentucky facility.
