Babcock picks gun provider for Type 31 frigates
Type 31 frigates for the UK RN will be armed with Bofors 40 Mk4 (pictured) and Bofors 57 Mk3 guns, BAE Systems announced on 1 October.
The company was awarded a subcontract by Babcock International to provide the RN with advanced, multi-purpose gun systems for the five Type 31 general-purpose frigates, the first of which could enter service in 2027.
Bofors 40 Mk4 small-calibre and Bofors 57 Mk3 medium-calibre guns will protect the vessels ‘against modern and future complex threats’, BAE Systems noted. ‘The guns also offer the Royal Navy optimised ammunition types, including the cost-efficient programmable Bofors 3P all-target munition.’
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the RN will join the navies or coast guards of nine other countries in operating or ordering the Bofors 40 Mk4: Brazil, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Sweden and Uruguay.
The Bofors 57 Mk3 has been ordered or is in service in Bangladesh, Brunei, Canada, Croatia, Finland, Indonesia, Ireland, Malaysia, Mexico, Montenegro, Singapore, Thailand and the US.
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