Paris Air Show: Leonardo and Nexter to integrate a 20mm gun pod to the M-346 Fighter Attack

During the Paris Air Show 2023, Leonardo and Nexter announced the launch of a development program aimed at introducing a new 20mm Gun Pod on the M-346 Fighter Attack (FA).

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Following a successful feasibility study, which has demonstrated the ability to add a Link & Case Recovery (LCR) system to the M-346 FA, Leonardo and Nexter, have decided to pursue a joint development effort by integrating a new 20mm bore gun pod into the M-346 FA.

After a successful feasibility study, #Leonardo and #Nexter, a company of #KNDS, have decided to pursue a joint development effort by integrating a new 20mm cannon pod to the #M346FA pic.twitter.com/I6HVZ7EPpq

— Leonardo Aircraft (@LDO_Aircraft) June 22, 2023

A 20 mm gun offers an advantageous solution compared to the 12.7 / .50 caliber in terms of range, accuracy and end terminal effect. Easy to integrate, operate and maintain, the 20M621 weapon solution is a NATO caliber, ITAR-free solution designed for airborne application. Like other weapons and systems developed and produced by Nexter for the air domain, it is lightweight and offers efficiency and performance.

See also: Airbus and Leonardo join forces to promote new integrated training systems based on M-346

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Dario Marfè – Senior Vice President Commercial, CSS&T & Proprietary Programs Business at Leonardo Aircraft said: “Leonardo is strongly convinced that Nexter is the right partner. Nexter’s 20 mm gun pod integration will boost combat responsiveness of M-346FA in Homeland Defense, COIN, CAS/Close-In Combat missions, thanks to an ITAR free solution suitable for many customers worldwide”.

Philippe Reynes – Head of Weapon Systems and Turrets Programs at Nexter Systems said: We are proud of the relationship of trust we have built up with Leonardo by taking the constraints specific to aerial platforms very seriously. For example, the safety of these platforms is ensured by the fact that our pod recovers all the links and casings after firing. Plus, the NC621 is mechanically harmonised to guarantee maximum precision for the pilot. This system is an example of our expertise as a medium caliber weapon manufacturer