This 30 mm automatic cannon has been designed for a wide range of roles with the latest version being the MK 30-2 model.

The MK 30 is a fully gas-operated gun in which not only the movement of the bolt but also the ammunition feeding are gas pressure operated via gas pistons. All movable parts, such as return springs, gas piston and buffer are installed along the gun axis to eliminate transverse loads that adversely affect gun motion, thus ensuring an excellent dispersion. The breech system consists of double supporting flaps with a long rigid locking time.

The receiver assembly is forged and its configuration ensures a high reliability even under most adverse weather conditions. The gun itself is installed in a very simple lightweight cradle in which it can perform recoil movement.

Mechanical simplicity ensures easy maintenance and the gun can be dismantled and reassembled without tools.

The earlier Model MK 30-1 is for firing ammunition with an aluminium cartridge case while the more recent Model MK 30-2 is for firing steel cartridge case ammunition.

In production. Installed in the Wildcat twin SPAAG (prototype) and in the Arrow twin field mount in service with the Royal Thai Air Force. Also installed by Hellenic Arms Industry, Greece, in a twin field mount under the name of Artemis 30 developed by KUKA Wehrtechnik GmbH of Germany. Installed by Otobreda of Italy in a twin 30 mm field mount Sentinel, a single compact naval mount in service with the Italian Guardia di Finanza; procurement commenced for the French Navy, in a twin compact naval mount. Installed in the MSI DS 30 F naval gun mounting. The weapon is also fitted in a two-man turret installed on the Austrian Steyr-Daimler-Puch/Spanish ASCOD infantry combat vehicle which is now being manufactured in Spain for the Spanish Army under the local name of the Pizarro. In early 1999, the Austrian MoD placed an order for 112 ASCOD vehicles for the Austrian Army under the local name of Ulan. This is the first production application for this weapon in an armoured vehicle. In 1995, it was installed in a Mauser one-man turret and fitted on a Korean Infantry Fighting Vehicle of the Malaysian Army for a series of trials in Malaysia.

The Hellenic Arms Industry (EBO) manufactures Mauser MK 30-1 mm barrels under licence.