AEI Systems Announces Sponsorship of Close Combat Symposium 2026 with Live Fire Demonstration of the VENOM LR Weapon System

AEI Systems, the British medium-calibre gun specialist and a core company of SYS Group, is proud to announce sponsorship of the Close Combat Symposium (CCS) 2026, one of the UK’s most prestigious land warfare events which is hosted by the British Army.

As an official sponsor of the symposium, AEI Systems will showcase the latest evolution of British medium-calibre firepower through a series of live capability demonstrations and static displays, reinforcing its commitment to supporting the future requirements of the UK Armed Forces and allied nations.

The highlight of the AEI Systems participation will be a live-fire demonstration featuring the company’s flagship VENOM LR 30 x 113mm revolver cannon, integrated with the TRAKON 30 Remote Weapon Station (RWS)developed by fellow SYS Group company UNIROBOTICS. The fully stabilised weapon system will be mounted on the Dragon 4×4 Armoured Vehicle, demonstrating a highly mobile and combat-ready solution for modern manned and unmanned battlefield operations.

Designed and manufactured in the UK, the VENOM LR represents more than half a century of British medium-calibre engineering excellence. VENOM LR combines exceptionally low recoil, adjustable rate of fire, outstanding accuracy all within a lightweight architecture. The system enables the integration of true medium-calibre capability onto platforms traditionally unable to accommodate weapons of this class.

The combination of the integrated VENOM LR and TRAKON 30 solution offers armed forces an effective response to today’s evolving operational requirements, including counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), force protection, mobile fire support and next-generation autonomous combat platforms.

In addition to the symposium static displays and the VENOM LR live-fire demonstration, visitors will have the opportunity to view and operate the complete family of CANiK 12.7 × 99 mm Heavy Machine Guns, including the M2F, M3, and M2 QCB with a suppressed firing kit. This showcase highlights the SYS Group’s comprehensive expertise in NATO-standard heavy weapon systems designed for land, naval, and remote applications.

Strengthening British Manufacturing Capability

AEI Systems continues to expand its manufacturing footprint and technological capabilities in the United Kingdom as demand for sovereign, ITAR-free medium-calibre solutions continues to grow worldwide.

The company has recently increased its annual production capacity to more than 400 medium-calibre cannons per year, making AEI Systems the world’s largest manufacturer of ITAR free 30x113mm cannon. This investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to strengthening British defence manufacturing while supporting allied nations with reliable, high-performance weapon systems designed and produced in the UK.

Leadership Perspective

Utku Aral, CEO of SYS Group, commented:

“We are honoured to sponsor the Close Combat Symposium 2026 and to stand alongside the British Army at one of the UK’s most important forums for close combat capability. AEI Systems represents more than fifty years of British engineering heritage, and today we are investing more than ever in expanding our manufacturing capabilities here in the UK.

Our continuous investments have increased our annual production capacity beyond 400 medium-calibre cannon, establishing AEI Systems as the world’s largest manufacturer of 30×113mm cannon. This achievement reflects our confidence in British industry, our commitment to sovereign defence manufacturing and our determination to provide armed forces with advanced, reliable and rapidly deployable firepower solutions.

The live demonstration of the VENOM LR integrated with the UNIROBOTICS TRAKON 30 RWS perfectly illustrates the strength of the SYS Group ecosystem. By combining world-class British medium-calibre technology with advanced RWS systems, we are delivering integrated solutions ready to meet the operational challenges faced on the battlefield today and into the future.”

Delivering the Future of Medium-Calibre Firepower

The Close Combat Symposium 2026 provides an ideal platform for AEI Systems to demonstrate how British-designed medium-calibre technology continues to evolve in response to changing operational requirements.

With the combination of the VENOM LR, TRAKON 30 RWS and the wider SYS Group portfolio, AEI Systems will showcase a fully integrated, scalable and combat-ready capability engineered for lightweight vehicles, remote weapon stations, unmanned ground vehicles, naval platforms and emerging counter-UAS missions.

As international demand for mobile, low-recoil and easily integrated weapon systems continues to accelerate, AEI Systems remains committed to the advancement of British defence innovation while delivering world-leading medium-calibre capability to customers across the globe.