Babcock International and BAE Systems Bofors have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to provide long-term support for the Royal Navy’s Bofors naval gun systems, both firms announced.
The agreement covers the 40mm Mk4 and 57mm Mk3 guns being fitted to the Royal Navy’s five Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates now under construction at Rosyth. The companies said the partnership combines Babcock’s role as the prospective in-service support provider with Bofors’ position as the original equipment manufacturer.
According to Babcock, its Mission Systems gunnery team already leads UK in-service support for the 4.5-inch Mk8 naval gun, the Phalanx close-in weapon system, and the GSA9 gunfire control system. The firm highlighted its track record in logistics, maintenance, and independent safety assessments.
BAE Systems Bofors, based in Sweden, brings what it called “deep technical knowledge and design authority expertise” for the Bofors systems.
Neal Misell, chief executive of Babcock Mission Systems, said: “These assets will provide a vital part of a ship’s defence and the signing of this MoU brings together our unmatched team of experts to support these critical naval gunnery systems through life.”
Patrik Selling, director of naval sales at BAE Systems Bofors, added: “We are looking forward to contributing to an in-service support solution for our 40 and 57 mm naval guns that will fulfil the needs of the UK MOD and the Royal Navy, ensuring that the guns will be in effective service for many decades to come.”
The MoU follows ongoing collaboration during the integration of the Bofors systems onto the Type 31 frigates, where Babcock and Bofors teams are overseeing acceptance and UK service preparations.
Personally I don’t know why they don’t take the opportunity to rationalise the number of medium guns and have the 4.5inch go out of service with the last T23. Shift the T45s over to 57mm MK3s. The cost in capital expenditure I would imagine would be balanced by the reduction in cost from the elimination of a gun type.