The Protector RWS is a remotely controlled weapons station (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It has been in full scale production since December 2001. It is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway. [1]
The Protector RWS is a remotely controlled weapons station (RWS) that can be mounted to vehicles and stationary platforms. It has been in full scale production since December 2001. It is manufactured by Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace of Norway. [1]
The system consists of a stabilized firing platform, a fire-control system and control grips. Several weapons can be mounted to the platform, such as:
Several versions of Protector have been developed with more than 20,000 units sold around the world in service with 23 countries. [4] Between the M151 and M153 variants KONGSBERG has delivered more than 18,000 systems to the U.S. Armed Services. These systems are in-service within every branch of the U.S. military and many US agencies. [5]
The Protector family includes the RS2, RS4 and RS6 Remote Weapon Stations, with weapons from light machine guns (5.56mm) to light cannons (30×113mmB M230 chain gun). [6] It also includes the Remote Turrets, designed for medium caliber cannons like 30×173mm and 40×180mm (Mk44 Bushmaster II).
| Name | Former name / version / program |
| RS2 | Protector Lite, Protector Super Lite |
| RS4 | M151, M153 (CROWS), Protector nordic |
| RS4 low profile | RWS Low profile, M153 (CROWS) |
| RS4 naval | RWS naval, Sea Protector |
| RS6 | RWS LW30, M153 (CROWS) |
| RT20 | MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30mm), Protector Medium Caliber RWS |
| RT40 | MCT-30 (Medium Caliber Turret 30mm) Protector Medium Caliber RWS |
| RT60 | MCT-40 (Medium Caliber Turret 40mm) Protector Medium Caliber RWS |
The system also features 4 M6 Smoke Grenade Dischargers. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo): [7]
M153 Protector is designed to meet CROWS II requirement. Specifications (excluding weapons and ammo): [8]
Protector Dual RWS mounts two weapons. It provides a dual user functionality (Gunner / Commander). The coaxial weapon is mounted on the same axis as the main gun. [13]
 | This section needs additional citations for verification .(October 2019) |
Australia – ASLAV PC vehicle [17] 
Canada – Currently installed on the RG-31 and TAPV fleet. Additional units are on order for integration on the ACSV fleet, with deliveries starting in late 2020. [18] [19] 
Croatia – Patria AMV, 175 [20] 
Czech Republic – LMV 
Denmark – Used on Piranha V vehicles. [21] 
Estonia – CV90 family [22] 
Finland – Patria AMV vehicle
France – Renault VAB 
India – TATA Kestrel 
Indonesia – KMC Komando Fast Assault Craft & KMC-38M Patrol Vessel (Sea Protector Mk50) [23] [22] 
Ireland – Mowag Piranha IIIH CRV and RG-32M LTV 
Japan – Currently only a few for testing [22] [24] 
Kuwait – VBL Mk 2 [25] 
Lithuania – used on Joint Light Tactical Vehicles. [26] 
Luxembourg – Dingo 2 vehicle
Netherlands – Boxer vehicle 
North Macedonia – Unknown [22] 
Norway – CV90 family (Protector Nordic), NM205F3 APC (Protector NM221), Iveco LMV (Protector Lite), Fridtjof Nansen-class frigate (Sea Protector), HNoMS Maud and Skjold-class corvette (Sea Protector)
Portugal – Pandur II [27] 
Qatar – to be used on 490 VCBI IFVs. [28] 
Romania – Unknown [22] [24] 
Slovenia – Patria AMV 
Switzerland – Piranha I vehicle cdmt, Mowag Duro IIIP and canot-patrouilleur 16
Sweden – Sisu Pasi, Patria AMV, ARCHER Artillery System, RG-32M 
Thailand – Unknown [22] [24] 
Taiwan – Unknown [22] [24] 
Ukraine - Stryker [29] 
United Kingdom – used on Mastiff vehicles in Iraq and Afghanistan, Ajax family of vehicles
United States – Stryker, M1A2 Abrams, and numerous other vehicles
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