DSA 2024: Malaysia trials enhanced version of Shrike Marine's weapon s…

A mock-up of the advanced weapon station on display at DSA 2024. (Janes/Rakend P)

Shrike Marine has secured an arrangement to trial an enhanced version of its advanced weapon station (AWS) with the Malaysian Army.

While speaking to Janes at the 18th Defence Services Asia (DSA) 2024 exhibition at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), Kuala Lumpur, Shrike Marine disclosed that the trials are planned to start from the week beginning 13 May.

The enhanced version of the AWS was revealed for the first time at DSA 2024.

Shrike Marine is manufacturing the AWS in Malaysia in collaboration with Advanced Defence Systems Sdn Bhd (ADSSB).

The enhanced AWS is provided with an “ammo box” for feeding the rounds and a better shock-absorption mechanism to improve the operation. The enhanced version is available in the 12.7 mm cartridge version only as compared with the older version, which is available in 12.7 mm and 7.62 mm. The contractor informed Janes that a 7.62 mm model of the enhanced version is in pipeline.

The system can be installed on any 4×4 vehicle or any other armoured vehicles to meet the infantry mission requirements. The system is provided with a Safran camera for the detection and tracking of targets as far as 12.5 km away. The cameras can operate in day, thermal, and hybrid modes to improve the weapon's precision.