BAE Systems, the British defence and aerospace titan, has clinched a major contract to equip the Royal Netherlands and Belgian Navies with its state-of-the-art Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems.
In a deal struck with the Dutch Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT), BAE will deliver eight of these advanced systems as part of a joint anti-submarine frigate programme between the Netherlands and Belgium.
The programme, designed to bolster naval defence capabilities, will see each country receiving two frigates, with each ship outfitted with two of these formidable naval guns.
“This key milestone ensures the new frigates are equipped with the latest technology, enhanced by our cutting-edge 3P ammunition,” said Stefan Löfström, Marketing and Sales Director at BAE Systems Bofors. “BAE Systems remains committed to supporting our NATO allies with top-tier capabilities that contribute to European security.”
The contract not only covers the supply of the gun systems but also includes installation, training, technical documentation, spares, and tools. There’s also an option for BAE’s advanced 3P programmable ammunition and additional guns for training.
Set for delivery starting in 2026, the Bofors 40Mk4 system is a compact, lightweight naval gun designed for multi-domain warfare, capable of taking on aerial, surface, and coastal threats. What sets it apart is its versatility: the gun can switch seamlessly between ammunition types, and the programmable 40mm Bofors 3P rounds offer unparalleled flexibility. With six programmable modes, the 3P ammunition enables the system to tackle a wide range of threats effectively and efficiently.
As NATO allies, the Dutch and Belgian Navies will be well-equipped to handle today’s complex security landscape, thanks to this latest high-tech addition from one of Britain’s leading defence firms.
Photo: Naval gun on HMS Northumberland. Photographer: Lt Cdr Shaun Roster UK MOD © Crown copyright OGL (Open Government License).
