BAE Systems to Supply Advanced Naval Gun Systems for Royal Netherlands and Belgian Navies
The Dutch Ministry of Defense has announced a significant contract with BAE Systems for the delivery of eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies. The deal involves the installation of two advanced gun systems on each of the four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates currently under construction.
This comprehensive contract, valued at a substantial amount, includes not just the gun systems, but also installation services, training for personnel, necessary documentation, spare parts, and tools. Additionally, there is an option to include BAE Systems’ state-of-the-art 3P programmable ammunition and extra guns intended for training purposes.
Delivery of the naval gun systems is scheduled to commence in 2026. Stefan Löfström, marketing and sales director at BAE Systems Bofors, emphasized the significance of this contract, stating, “This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition.” He further reiterated BAE Systems’ commitment to bolstering NATO allies’ defenses to enhance safety across Europe.
The Bofors 40Mk4 is a versatile weapon designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare. With a capability to utilize a variety of ammunition, including the programmable 40mm Bofors 3P all-target ammo, it stands ready to confront various threats. This advanced ammunition can be programmed in six distinct modes, allowing it to engage a wide array of targets from aerial to surface and shore-based threats. Notably, it is effective against traditional threats such as anti-ship missiles and aircraft, and can even deal with modern challenges posed by fast maneuvering small boats and concealed targets.
This remotely-operated gun system has an impressive rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute and can effectively engage targets at a maximum range of 7.8 miles (12.55 kilometers).
The ASW frigate program, valued at 4 billion euros ($4.4 billion), is being designed and built by Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval. According to timelines, the Royal Netherlands Navy is expected to begin receiving the frigates in 2029, followed by the Belgian Navy a year later.
In addition to the 40mm guns, these highly anticipated warships will be equipped with a 76-millimeter gun, Raytheon Mk54 torpedoes, Rolling Airframe Missiles, the Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile. For complete force protection, the frigates will also feature remote weapon systems providing 360-degree coverage.
This collaboration marks a critical development in enhancing naval capabilities for both countries and reinforces BAE Systems’ ongoing support to NATO allies.
