BAE preferred bidder for Type 26 gun

The UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) has selected BAE Systems as preferred bidder to provide the Maritime Indirect Fires System (MIFS) gun system for the Type 26 Global Combat Ship, the company announced on 15 September. 

The company has proposed its MIFS Integrated Gunnery System (IGS), which includes the 5-inch, 62-calibre Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun system, gun fire control system, an automated ammunition handling system and qualified ammunition. A contract has not yet been awarded.

The Mk 45 is already in service with the US Navy and 10 other allied nations. 

The navy’s Type 23 frigates will be replaced by the Type 26 Global Combat Ship. The ship will be capable of undertaking a wide range of roles from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group. It is designed to be supportable and upgradeable as new technology develops.

Joe Senftle, vice president and general manager, weapon systems, BAE Systems, said: ‘The Mk 45 is at the centre of our MIFS solution and will provide the Royal Navy with a low-risk, low-cost, and highly effective automatic weapon system. It combines the benefits of a mature, reliable, and proven system with the capacity to deliver the full range of ammunition available today and in development.’