Elbit Systems unveils Lightweight UT30 turret

The lightweight UT30 features the same 30×173 mm MK44 airburst munition gun and sensor payloads as Elbit's UT30 Mk 2 that was displayed on a Redback IFV at BSDA. (Andrew White)

Elbit Systems has designed a lighter-weight variant of its Unmanned Turret UT30 capable of being carried by 6×6 and even 4×4 tactical ground vehicles, Janes learnt at the Black Sea Defence and Aerospace (BSDA) 2024 exhibition held in Bucharest from 22 to 24 May.

A company spokesperson confirmed to Janes on 22 May that the Lightweight UT30 Mk 3 had already been manufactured and integrated into a 6×6 mine-resistant, ambush-protected (MRAP) vehicle and that serial deliveries were under way.

The Lightweight UT30 features the same 30×173 mm MK44 airburst munition gun and sensor payloads as Elbit's UT30 Mk 2. Weight savings come from a new design concept as well as a reduction in protection levels, the spokesperson said, adding that the new turret weighed approximately one tonne.

The spokesperson did not disclose the customer or where live-fire drills with a Cougar 6×6 MRAP had been held.

The spokesperson also informed Janes that Elbit was exploring the possibility of integrating the Lightweight UT30 into Oshkosh Defense's Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV), which is in service with the US Army, Marine Corps, and Air Force. Additional vehicles are operated by Brazil, Mongolia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

At BSDA, variants of the UT30 Mk 2 were integrated into a variety of vehicles including Hanwha's Redback infantry fighting vehicle (IFV), which is being pitched for a requirement expected to be pursued by the Romanian Armed Forces.