RN sticks with Mk 8 gun support partners
The Mk 8 medium-calibre gun arms UK RN Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers. (Photo: MoD/Crown Copyright)
Babcock and BAE Systems carry on support for 4.5-inch guns arming Type 23 and Type 45 vessels.
Babcock International and BAE Systems will continue in-service support for the 4.5-inch Mk 8 medium-calibre guns used by the UK RN on its Type 23 frigates and Type 45 destroyers.
Under a new five-year contract extension from the MoD, worth about £43 million ($59 million), the two companies will support the semi-automatic guns on 19 vessels as well as the shore establishment HMS Collingwood.
The current five-year support deal (worth £41 million) expires this year.
Babcock stated on 9 April that its continued collaboration with MCG designer BAE Systems ‘offers the capacity, proven capabilities and infrastructure to safely and effectively run in-service support’.
Babcock added that it is using digital twinning to improve the reliability and extend the service life of the Mk 8 gun.
This approach ‘provides the on-board maintainer with the information they need to optimise maintenance and provides Babcock the foresight needed to predict future faults and proactively intervene to keep the asset operational and increase availability’, the company noted.
This article was updated on 12 April with a new image of the Mk8 gun.
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.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years]()
US Coast Guard commissions first icebreaker acquired in the last 25 years
The Cutter Storis officially entered service with the Branch on 10 August. The new capability will be operated from Juneau, Alaska.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
