The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (Försvarets materielverk, FMV) has signed a framework agreement with Equipnor AB (a part of NFM Group) for Dillon Aero miniguns for the Swedish Navy Amphibious Corps (Amfibiekåren, Amf) . The minigun will initially arm the CB90-class (Stridsbåt 90 H(alv), Strb 90 H) fast assault craft. The process of acquiring a new support weapon for the Swedish Amphibious Corps began as early as 2012 when the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration conducted the initial tests of various systems. Within Amphibious Battalion 2030 programme, various systems will be procured, with most currently in the preparation or product definition phase.
The framework agreement includes a complete system solution, and there is the possibility to procure additional accessories such as sights, laser pointers, and other equipment as needed. Initially, the agreement extends until 2026 with the option to extend two years at a time. The total value amounts to approximately 300 million SEK during the agreement period. Equipnor AB was founded in 2015 through a partnership between the defense equipment suppliers Neptunus Hav & Land AB (SWE, 2008). Equipnor AB operates as a qualified equipment supplier and a center of competence for supply of systems solutions targeting Swedish Government Authorities.
The M134 Minigun is an American 7.62×51mm NATO six-barrel rotary machine gun with a high rate of fire (2,000 to 6,000 rounds per minute). It features a Gatling-style rotating barrel assembly with an external power source, normally an electric motor. The “Mini” in the name is in comparison to larger-caliber designs that use a rotary barrel design. By 2002 Dillon began producing complete weapons with improved components. The guns were purchased quickly by the 160th SOAR as its standardized weapon system. The gun then went through the U.S. Army’s formal procurement system approval process, and in 2003 the Dillon Aero minigun was certified and designated M134D.
In the naval role, the M134D is utilized for force protection on U.S. and foreign blue water and riverine fleets, as well as fire support weapons on Special Operations boats. The Dillon Point Guard Naval Defense System was developed to provide protection against small Boat Born Improvised Explosive Devices (BBIED) and is currently in service with the US, UK, French, Italian, Colombian, and Peruvian Navies on a wide variety of Blue Water ships. Dillon M134D and M134D-H applications include MK-5 Special Operations Boats, Rigid Hulled Inflatable Boats, Riverine Vessels, Frigates, Destroyers, and other Blue Water Ships.
