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.’
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement]()
Australia is ramping up its uncrewed surface fleet as Sea Archer lines up for key requirement
As advances in uncrewed technology increasingly shape Australia’s maritime future, Shephard spoke with the country’s head of navy capability and a Leidos Australia executive about the operational advantages behind the shift.
-
![What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?]()
What does Saab’s operations shake-up mean for its new ‘Naval’ chapter?
Saab’s merger of its Kockums and Naval Combat Systems divisions into a single business area called Naval, effective 1 April 2026, aims to enhance efficiency, innovation and competitive positioning in the naval sector.
-
![Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions]()
Iran and the future of amphibious operations: crewed and uncrewed solutions
Amphibious operations are a very unique type of military operation, and global defence industries are developing new solutions to enhance capabilities and efficiency.
-
![US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026]()
US Navy to acquire and test uncrewed surface vessel prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
![Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals]()
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
