The US Navy has awarded BAE Systems a $70-million contract to upgrade its Mk 45 5-inch naval gun systems to the Mod 4 configuration, adding $23.5 million to a previous order worth $47 million.
The upgrades will enable modern munitions with 50 percent increased firepower, according to the company.
Work will be completed by the end of 2028 and take place at BAE’s production facility in Louisville, Kentucky.
“Events in the Red Sea this year have underscored the importance of firepower aboard US Navy ships,” said Brent Butcher, VP of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, referring to Houthi attacks targeting US warships.
“Equipped with the latest configuration of the Mk 45 gun system, the men and women in the Navy have the capabilities to protect themselves at sea. We continue our commitment to providing the latest naval gun technology, including advanced munitions, to US Sailors and their allies.”
Mk 45 Upgrades
The Mk 45 Mod 4 supports anti-surface, strike, and anti-air warfare missions.
Key upgrades include a 62-caliber barrel, a reinforced gun, and a low-maintenance gun shield with a reduced signature.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 features a fully digital control system for integrating targeting and fire control data.
It provides Naval Surface Fire Support with a range of over 20 nautical miles (23 miles/36 kilometers) using the US Navy’s 5-inch Cargo projectile with enhanced propelling charge.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 will be installed on US Navy DDG 51-class destroyers, building on previous integration with the DDG 81 ship.
Other Mod 4 installations are featured in the naval forces of South Korea, Japan, and Denmark.