The US Army has awarded a $188m contract for additional Protector remote weapon stations (RWS) to Norwegian defence contractor Kongsberg Gruppen.

The contract is part of the $1.4bn common remotely operated weapon station (CROWS) framework agreement signed in August 2007.

The Protector RWS is a remotely controlled weapon station for light and medium-calibre weapons designed to enhance safety and precision of soldiers, whilst allowing the gunner to remain inside the protection of the vehicle.

The system can be installed on any type of military vehicle and is currently being added to the US Army’s high-mobility multipurpose wheeled vehicle (Humvees).