The Royal Netherlands Navy has selected Leonardo’s naval gun system Lionfish to equip its new naval units.
As informed, the defence system will be installed on Holland-class patrol vessels, landing platform dock (LPD) and joint support ship (JSS) units, Johan de Witt and Karel Doorman classes, and Den Helder-class combat support ship.
The navy has chosen the Lionfish Top, one of the three 12.7 mm variants as part of new remotely-controlled naval turrets.
“The LIONFISH 12.7 Top weighs less than 300 kg and is particularly effective against close threats and in asymmetric scenarios (ASymmetric Warfare – ASyW),” according to the company.
“Effectiveness and accuracy, even at long range, are guaranteed by the use of a cooled infrared sensor that integrates Leonardo’s Mini Colibrì optics. This is common across the whole turret family, which can also integrate an uncooled sensor.”
Depending on the technology used, the detection range can be up to 12 km. These technologies can “effectively and accurately” handle various types of threats, including uncrewed systems.
“Leonardo has developed its new defence systems to meet market requirements, that are increasingly looking towards compact and stealth technologies, including to equip uncrewed platforms,” the firm stated.
The Royal Netherlands Navy recently also chose Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano systems for its four De Zeven Provinciën-class multi-role frigates.
In April last year, the company scored a contract to equip Canadian Surface Combatants with four OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval guns.