Upgraded MK 45 guns for US Navy
BAE Systems will upgrade five Mk 45 naval gun systems to the Mod 4 configuration for the US Navy, the company announced on 22 July.
Under the $70.6 million contract the company will carry out the MK 45 Mod 4 upgrades by the end of 2023.
The upgrade increases the gun system’s firepower and range by adding a structurally strengthened gun mount. The configuration increases firing energy by 50 percent, enabling munitions to travel faster and farther. A new fully digitised control system provides significantly greater computing power and features a touch-screen user interface.
MK 45 guns are deployed on the US Navy’s fleet of guided-missile Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers. This upgrade work will extend the guns’ service life.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress]()
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
![US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers]()
US Coast Guard seeks national and foreign suppliers for light and medium icebreakers
Contracts for new light and medium cutters are expected to be awarded in mid-2026.
-
![Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening]()
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
![First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026]()
First Canadian Coast Guard Polar Icebreaker is “on track” for keel laying in late 2026
Canadian Coast Guard Ship Arpatuuq construction is in the block manufacturing phase. Once built, it will be the largest vessel in the Coast Guard’s inventory.
-
![US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship]()
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
