BAE Systems has unveiled a containerised 40mm naval gun at Euronaval 2026 designed for rapid installation on military, government or commercial vessels that need temporary or mission-specific self-protection, according to the company.
The system, Sea Tridon C, combines the Bofors 40mm gun with an integrated electro-optical fire-control system in a container. An image released by BAE Systems shows the gun mounted on top of a stack of containers on a merchant ship. The company describes the system as intended for “temporary or mission-specific self-protection capabilities”, and its programmable 3P ammunition can engage air, surface and shore-based threats.
“The maritime threat landscape is evolving rapidly, creating a growing need for flexible and effective protection solutions,” said Lena Gillström, President of BAE Systems Bofors. “With the Sea Tridon, navies and maritime operators can select the capability level that best meets their operational needs while benefiting from a common platform, proven technology and advanced programmable ammunition.”
Sea Tridon C belongs to a family of four 40mm systems. Sea Tridon is a maritime adaptation of the Tridon concept, Sea Trinity adds integrated radar fire control to form a complete close-in weapon system intended to counter missiles, drones and other high-speed threats, and the Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun is designed for integration with ship combat systems.
All four use the 3P ammunition, which can be configured immediately before firing and offers six programmable fuze modes. The company said the modular approach lets operators choose levels of sensor integration, fire control and deployment flexibility while keeping commonality in training, logistics and support.
The Royal Navy’s Type 31 frigate programme ordered ten Bofors 40 Mk4 guns alongside five Bofors 57 Mk3 guns in 2020, the UK Defence Journal reported at the time.
Excellent, get them ordered, replace the sea wizz on the QE class, T45 and fit them across the RFA.
They offer a very robust self defence capability.