TEHRAN, February 26, 2026 : The Iranian Navy has formally unveiled a new close-range naval weapon system designated as the “Storm,” a 20mm remotely operated Gatling gun developed to strengthen shipborne point-defense capabilities. The system was presented publicly on February 26, 2026, with official footage showing the weapon mounted on a naval vessel during sea operations.
According to the specifications released during the announcement, the Storm system is built around a three-barrel rotary cannon architecture. The weapon incorporates an adjustable firing mechanism that allows operators to select a rate of fire ranging from 300 to 1,500 rounds per minute, depending on mission requirements and target profile.
The 20mm platform has a stated maximum ballistic range of 4 kilometers. Its effective engagement range — defined as the distance within which it can reliably strike designated targets — is 2 kilometers. This operational envelope positions the system within the category of short-range naval point-defense weapons designed to intercept threats at close proximity to the vessel.
A central feature of the Storm system is its remote operation capability. The weapon is designed to be controlled from within the ship, eliminating the need for a manually operated deck-mounted gunner. This configuration allows personnel to remain inside protected compartments while operating the system.
To enable remote engagement, the weapon mount is equipped with an integrated electro-optical suite that includes onboard cameras and precision optics. The sensor package provides live visual feeds and targeting data to operators, supporting tracking and engagement of both maritime and aerial targets. The optical and camera systems are intended to enhance accuracy during close-range engagements.
Footage released alongside the announcement shows the Storm system installed on a naval vessel at sea, indicating its integration into active maritime platforms. No additional technical details regarding fire-control integration, ammunition types, stabilization systems, production scale, or deployment timelines were disclosed in the official release.
The introduction of the Storm aligns with established naval practices involving layered close-in defensive systems. High-rate-of-fire rotary cannons are commonly employed as a final defensive layer against incoming threats that penetrate outer defensive perimeters. Based on its published specifications, the Storm is configured to counter short-range asymmetric threats, including small surface vessels, as well as aerial targets operating within its 2-kilometer effective engagement radius.
The unveiling adds the Storm 20mm Gatling gun to the Iranian Navy’s inventory of short-range defensive systems intended for maritime platforms. No further platform integration details or future deployment plans were provided at the time of the announcement.
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