The ADEN cannon is a British 30mm revolver cannon that was developed after World War II to improve the firepower of combat aircraft. It uses a gas-operated mechanism and an electric firing system to achieve a high rate of fire of 1,200 to 1,700 rounds per minute, firing 30×111mm belted rounds that can penetrate armour and damage large targets, making it suitable for ground strafing and bomber interception. The ADEN cannon was first used on the Hawker Hunter in 1954 and later on other British aircraft such as the English Electric Lightning. Though at a budget range where anti-air missiles may be a better choice, the ADEN cannon ranks amongst the most formidable aircraft weapons ever designed, able to strike any target with deadly efficiency.