The Dutch Ministry of Defense has contracted BAE Systems to deliver eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies.
A pair of guns will be installed on each of four anti-submarine warfare (ASW) frigates being built for the two navies.
The contract includes installation, training, documentation, spares, and tools with an option for BAE Systems’ 3P programmable ammunition and additional guns for training purposes.
The delivery is scheduled to begin in 2026.
“This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition,” marketing & sales director at BAE Systems Bofors Stefan Löfström said.
“BAE Systems continues to support our NATO allies by delivering enhanced capabilities to help keep Europe safe.”
Bofors 40Mk4
The 40Mk4 is designed for anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare operations, capable of operating with a range of ammunition, including the programmable 40mm Bofors 3P all-target ammo.
The 3P ammo can be programmed in six different function modes against any aerial, surface, or shore target.
It is designed to deal with traditional threats such as anti-ship missiles, aircraft, ships, and shore targets, including those with armor protection.
Moreover, it can be programmed for airburst patterns to deal with emerging threats that were previously not possible to engage, such as small, fast-maneuvering boats and concealed targets.
The remotely-operated gun system has a rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute and an effective range of 7.8 miles (12.5 kilometers).
ASW Frigate Program
Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval is designing and building a pair of vessels each for the Dutch and Belgian navies for 4 billion euros ($4.4 billion).
The Royal Netherlands Navy is expected to start receiving the vessels in 2029, while the Belgian Navy will start receiving them a year later.
Apart from the 40mm guns, the warship will be armed with a 76-millimeter gun, Raytheon Mk54 torpedoes, Rolling Airframe Missiles, Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, and Kongsberg’s Naval Strike Missile.
It will also be equipped with remote weapon systems for 360-degree force protection.