Kongsberg to Integrate Counter-UAS Capability into US Army’s CROWS Remote Weapon Stations

Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace has announced a major upgrade to the US Army’s Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) by integrating counter-unmanned aerial system (C-UAS) capabilities. This enhancement aims to provide mobile formations with organic defense against the growing threat of small drones in contested environments.

Expanding the Role of CROWS in a Drone-Dense Battlefield

The Common Remotely Operated Weapon Station (CROWS) is a long-standing program that equips U.S. Army vehicles with stabilized remote weapon systems capable of firing from under armor. Over 20,000 CROWS systems have been fielded across multiple vehicle platforms including MRAPs, Strykers, and Joint Light Tactical Vehicles (JLTVs). Traditionally focused on ground threats and force protection in asymmetric warfare environments, CROWS is now being adapted for a new battlefield reality—ubiquitous drone threats.

According to Kongsberg’s announcement at AUSA 2025 and subsequent reporting by UAS Vision, the company will integrate a modular counter-UAS package into its M153 CROWS system. The effort reflects an urgent operational need driven by lessons from Ukraine and other theaters where Group 1–3 drones have proven highly disruptive to maneuver forces.

Modular C-UAS Architecture: Sensors and Effectors

The upgraded system will incorporate a layered sensor suite capable of detecting low-RCS targets such as quadcopters. While specific sensors were not disclosed in detail, industry sources suggest integration of radar (e.g., Echodyne ESA radars), electro-optical/infrared (EO/IR) sensors for visual tracking, and passive RF detection systems could be included depending on mission profile.

For effectors, the primary kinetic option remains the crew-served weapon mounted on the RWS—typically an M2 .50 cal machine gun or Mk19 grenade launcher. However, Kongsberg has confirmed optional integration paths for directed energy weapons or electronic warfare modules as part of future spiral upgrades. The open architecture design allows plug-and-play compatibility with third-party effectors.

This modularity mirrors broader trends in mobile SHORAD development across NATO forces—favoring scalable solutions that can be tailored per platform weight class and threat environment.

Partnerships and Integration Pathways

Kongsberg is reportedly working with multiple U.S.-based partners to deliver this capability. One likely collaborator is Liteye Systems Inc., known for its anti-drone radar/electro-optical fusion systems such as SHIELD™ and AUDS. Another potential integration partner is EOS Defense Systems USA, which has demonstrated its R400S-Mk2 D-HD RWS with integrated radar/camera-based drone tracking.

The company emphasized that this upgrade does not require significant changes to vehicle architecture or power supply—a key factor for rapid fielding across legacy fleets. The new capability will be available as both retrofit kits for existing M153 turrets and factory-fit options for new production units under current IDIQ contracts.

Operational Implications for Maneuver Forces

The addition of C-UAS functionality directly onto existing RWS platforms represents a significant step toward democratizing air defense at the tactical edge. Rather than relying solely on dedicated SHORAD assets like the IM-SHORAD Stryker variant or Avenger systems—which are limited in number—this approach gives every platoon-level vehicle some measure of drone defense.

• Persistent coverage: Enables 360° surveillance even while on the move.
• Rapid engagement: Automated cueing from sensors enables faster reaction times than manual spot-and-shoot methods.
• Scalability: Can be deployed across large formations without major logistical burden.

This aligns with U.S. Army Futures Command priorities around distributed lethality and layered defenses against low-cost aerial threats. It also supports NATO interoperability goals through STANAG-compliant interfaces and data-sharing protocols like Link-16 or ATAK plugins where applicable.

CROWS Evolution Reflects Broader MilTech Trends

The evolution of CROWS from a force-protection tool into an air-defense node underscores how traditional platforms are being reimagined through software-defined architectures and modular payloads. Similar trends are visible in other domains—from artillery integrating loitering munitions guidance kits to tanks receiving active protection systems (APS).

Kongsberg’s approach also reflects a growing emphasis on autonomy-assisted targeting within man-in-the-loop frameworks—a middle ground between full automation and manual operation that balances speed with accountability under ROE constraints.

The company has not yet disclosed timelines for initial fielding or quantities involved but confirmed that testing is ongoing at U.S.-based proving grounds under Army supervision. Given current procurement cycles and urgency around drone threats highlighted in recent DoD reports, low-rate initial production could begin as early as FY2026 if trials proceed successfully.

Conclusion: A Tactical Edge Against Small Drone Threats

Kongsberg’s integration of counter-UAS capabilities into the ubiquitous CROWS platform marks a pragmatic step forward in adapting existing infrastructure to meet emerging threats without waiting years for bespoke solutions. By leveraging open architectures and proven hardware already embedded across thousands of vehicles, this upgrade offers near-term relief against one of today’s most pressing battlefield challenges—small drones used en masse by peer or irregular adversaries alike.

If successful at scale, this model may influence other NATO armies seeking affordable SHORAD options that don’t require deploying scarce high-end assets like NASAMS or IRIS-T SLM batteries just to counter $500 quadcopters threatening convoys or logistics hubs.