Kongsberg to Equip US Marine Corps ACV-30 Vehicles With Advanced Remote Weapon Turrets

Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace has officially secured a $118 million contract to supply remote weapon turrets for the U.S. Marine Corps’ Amphibious Combat Vehicle 30 (ACV-30) fleet. This move is part of a broader U.S. military effort to modernize its amphibious forces with more lethal and survivable platforms.

Under the deal, Kongsberg will deliver 101 Protector RT20 (Remote Turret 20) systems, finalizing an earlier agreement for full-rate production. These advanced turrets are specifically designed to integrate with the ACV-30, which itself is an upgraded variant meant to replace older systems dating back to the 1970s.

Beyond the turret systems, the contract also includes testing equipment, spare parts, support, and fielding services. If all options are exercised, the total value of the contract could reach $271.5 million. Work will be carried out both in Johnstown, Pennsylvania and Norway, with project completion expected by September 2027. Throughout the process, Kongsberg will coordinate with the U.S. Marine Corps Systems Command in Virginia.

The ACV-30 variant of the Marine Corps’ amphibious vehicle lineup entered full-rate production in April 2025 and is equipped to carry a 30mm medium-caliber cannon. Other variants in the ACV family include command, recovery, and personnel carriers—all forming part of a modern amphibious force meant to phase out legacy systems.

What Makes the RT20 Turret Special?

The Protector RT20 is not just another remote weapon station—it's a cutting-edge, medium-caliber turret that brings multiple battlefield advantages. It features:

• A 30mm automatic cannon with linkless ammunition feed

• Programmable airburst munitions for higher lethality

• A coaxial 7.62mm machine gun

• Optional anti-tank guided missiles and auxiliary weapons

• Under-armor reload capability to keep crews safe

• Hunter-killer targeting and target sharing features

• Active protection systems for defense against incoming threats

• Engagement range of up to 3,000 meters (9,843 feet)

These systems can be operated by one or two crew members and are designed to maintain precision firepower while keeping troops protected inside the vehicle.

According to Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace, the contract not only enhances the U.S. Marine Corps’ capabilities but also underscores the company’s growing presence in both American and international defense markets. “The ACV-30 offers superior performance compared to existing systems, and we see strong market potential for our medium-caliber turrets,” he said.

This partnership marks another significant step in strengthening U.S.–Norway defense cooperation while pushing forward the U.S. military’s shift toward automated, high-performance, and survivable combat systems for the battlefield of the future.