09/09/2025 | Press release

The Oerlikon KBA 25mm Automatic Cannon, Rheinmetall’s most widely produced NATO-standard 25mmx137 weapon, combines a battle-proven design with unmatched reliability, making it the weapon of choice for modern armed forces.

The Oerlikon KBA is designed as a shortrange weapon for mechanized combat and has consistently proven its 
effectiveness against both ground and aerial targets. 

The Oerlikon KBA 25 mm is renowned for its reliability, battle-proven performance and first-class design. Used by numerous NATO and international armed forces, the weapon has been produced more than 6,000 times and is living proof of its outstanding flexibility and performance. It was recently selected by a major NATO country as the new medium-calibre system for its latest generation of reconnaissance vehicles.

The Oerlikon KBA 25mm delivers a level of performance once limited to larger calibers — now offered as a cost-effective and scalable solution. Thanks to its double feeding system it allows to charge two different types of ammunition in the same gun making it a complete multi role weapon.

With a burst firing rate of up to 600 rounds per minute, a Rapid Single Shot (RSS) mode at 200 rounds per minute, and instant selection between two ammunition types, the KBA 25mm delivers superior firepower and flexibility. It combines high accuracy, high velocity round with an effective range of up to 2,700 meters. Its 
extensive ammunition portfolio includes APFSDS-T armor-piercing, frangible, and HEI-T explosive rounds, as well as the latest anti-UAV ammunition with selfdestruct functionality for counter-drone operations. The KBA 25mm is a master of flexibility, capable to penetrate the most modern infantry fighting vehicles (IFV), and provides effective anti-drone protection at the same time.

Built-in safeties against cook-off, open-bolt transport mode, and hang fire protection offer maximum operational safety. Moreover, the KBA is the easiest weapon to maintain in its class. It can be disassembled at field level by hand.

The light recoil of the cannon allows its installation into a variety of platforms, from heavy tracked fighting vehicles, to light 4x4 reconnaissance assets. It is adaptable to manned and unmanned turrets, air defense mounts, and naval applications.

At DSEI 2025, the KBA 25mm is shown as the main armament of the new crewless turret CT-025.