A
remote weapon station, also known as a
remote weapon system, (
RWS) is a remotely operated weaponized system for light and medium
caliber weapons which can be installed on
ground combat vehicle or sea and air-based combat platforms. Such equipment is used on modern military vehicles, as it allows a gunner to remain in the relative protection of the vehicle. It may also be retrofitted onto existing vehicles, for example, the
CROWS system is being fitted to American
Humvees and the
Thales SWARM for
Bushmaster IMVs of the
Royal Netherlands Army.