Bofors guns arm Belgian-Dutch MCMVs
New mine countermeasures vessels (MCMVs) being procured jointly by Belgium and the Netherlands will be armed with the Bofors Mk4 40mm naval gun from BAE Systems, under a contract worth an undisclosed amount.
Kership will install a total of 12 guns (one for each of the 12 MCMVs — six each for the Belgian and Dutch navies).
The first MCMV will be delivered to the Belgian Navy in 2024, with all deliveries to be completed for both navies by 2030.
The Bofors Mk4 is already in service with ten other navies worldwide, according to Shephard Defence Insight. The gun features a 40 mm L/70 gun with a 300 rounds/min rate of fire, 100-round magazines and airburst capability. Its elevation ranges from -20 degrees to +80 degrees.
Furthermore, the Bofors 40 Mk4 is equipped with computer-controlled burst pattern, on-mount muzzle velocity radar and remote operation option. The 3P ammunition is programmable to be optimised against a range of targets, including UAVs.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Tripartite Class Replacement Programme [Netherlands]
Tripartite Class Replacement Programme (1-6) [Belgium]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
RTX Raytheon advances with the development of new Barracuda mine neutraliser
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
-
US Coast Guard to receive the largest single acquisition funding in its history
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.