General Dynamics Land Systems is to produce Modification 2 MK46 gun weapon systems for the U.S. Navy.

The contract for the system was issued by the Naval Sea Systems Command and carries a value of $26.2 million, the company said.

The MK46 is a derivative of a 30mm high-velocity and remotely operation weapon system originally developed for use by the U.S. Marine Corps. It has a range of about 2,200 yards and can fire 200 rounds a minute.

The MK46 Mod 2 incorporates new open architecture, fault isolation software and an embedded trainer. The Navy intends to use the system on Littoral Combat Ships and Zumwalt-class destroyers.

"Its lightweight, modular and compact size makes it an ideal candidate for numerous anti-surface and anti-air defense applications," General Dynamics Land Systems said. "The systems' family of turrets represents a balance of lethality, performance, reliability and versatility, and it is one of the most cost-effective medium-caliber weapon systems."

Work under the contract, which is expected to be completed in late 2016, will be conducted at company sites in Alabama, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, and Pennsylvania.

The company has already produced and delivered 38 MK46 systems to the service since 2005. Eight MK46 systems were ordered in 2013 for use on San Antonio-class landing platform docks.