Babcock completes Mk8 Mod 1 firing trials
Babcock International has detailed progress on its five year contract with the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) to deliver an upgraded 4.5in Mk8 Mod 1 medium calibre gun programme for the Royal Navy.
Working in collaboration with BAE Systems, Babcock has delivered a number of design interventions and successfully completed a series of live firing trials with QinetiQ at the MoD’s Eskmeals Range in Cumbria.
The trials were conducted over a five-day period utilising multiple land and sea sites, with various range, accuracy and altitudes successfully tested. Results will now be applied to the programme as work progresses.
The Mk8 equipment will be used across numerous Royal Navy platforms with the potential for deployment on future MoD contracts.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition]()
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
![Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance]()
Eurosatory 2026: Red Cat eyes South American market for USV-led EEZ surveillance
Success with the US Army’s Black Widow programme may have strengthened Red Cat’s international position, but executives believe the next growth opportunity lies in uncrewed surface vessels.
-
![The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come]()
The FDI frigate: a growing success story with more opportunities to come
Designed as a multi-role frigate with both anti-submarine and air defence capabilities, Naval Group’s medium-sized FDI frigate increasingly stands out as a success story in an industry wrought with delays.
