Australia orders Mk 45 naval guns for Hunter-class frigates
Australia's Hunter-class frigates are planned to replace Anzac-class ships from 2034. (Image: Royal Australian Navy)
Australia has ordered nine Hunter-class frigates to replace Anzac-class frigates under the A$35 billion (US$22.7 billion) Sea 5000 programme.
BAE Systems will deliver three shipsets of Mk 45 medium-calibre naval gun and automated Ammunition Handling System (AHS) to the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) for its new Hunter-class frigates under a US$255 million contract awarded on 8 January.
The Mk 45 gun system will equip the Royal Australian Navy with a common, adaptable gun system that can easily integrate advanced munitions to provide the firepower required to meet the Hunter class deterrence mission.
The Mk 45 gun system combines the 5-inch, 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun with a fully automated AHS that continuously supplies the gun with ammunition, in high sea state conditions, without assistance from the crew.
According to BAE Systems, variations of the Mk 45 have been deployed on more than 280 ships in 11 navy fleets including Type 26 UK Royal Navy City-class frigates, a design similar to Hunter ships, and US Navy Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.
Work on the contract began in 2023 and finish in 2036, with engineering work completed in Minneapolis, Minnesota and production taking place in Louisville, Kentucky.
The type was selected in June 2018 and construction was due to start in 2020 with delivery of the first ship by the end of the decade. Delays have since pushed the delivery day out to 2034.
Separately, the company announced it had been awarded a contract to upgrade the Mk 45 guns on the RAN's Anzac-class frigates which will take the guns to Mod 4 standard with a common control system.
Updated 8 January, 2024.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026]()
US representatives plan to invest $1.6 billion in US Coast Guard inventory in FY2026
The FY26 Homeland Security Bill Markup of the House Committee on Appropriations included resources for the procurement of ships, aircraft and unmanned systems.
-
![US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs]()
US Navy seeks industry partners to address pressing research needs
The Office of Naval Research will host an Industry Engagement Day in August aiming at building new partnerships and advancing its science and technology initiatives in multiple areas.
-
![Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy]()
Raytheon awarded $1.2 billion in contracts for AN/SPY-6(V) radars for the US Navy
Under the most recent contract, the US Navy will receive four additional AN/SPY-6(V) radars, increasing the number of radars under contract to 42. The radars are considered key for expanding the navy’s capability for air defence.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer]()
Royal Canadian Navy’s final Harry DeWolf-class vessel to be delivered this summer
The sixth Canada’s Arctic and Offshore Patrol Ship is currently at the final stages of construction within Irving Shipbuilding.
