BAE Systems Australia has secured a $32-million contract to continue sustaining the Mk 45 naval gun systems of the Royal Australian Navy’s (RAN) warships.
The five-year contract covers the preventative, corrective, and priority maintenance of each 5-inch (127-millimeter) lightweight artillery gun that arms the navy’s Hobart-class destroyers and Anzac-class frigates, as well as the future Hunter-class frigates.
In addition to sustainment, BAE will refurbish the Mk 45 guns on the Hobart-class destroyers.
Work will be carried out at the company’s Mk 45 workshop in Henderson, Western Australia, which is “one of only two sites in the world that can both refurbish and replace bespoke components on the guns,” according to BAE Systems.
“The Mk 45 naval gun systems are crucial capabilities for Navy and underpin the firepower of Australia’s surface combatant fleet. Through this work, we are helping ensure these critical assets remain ready to support Navy operations for years to come,” said David Shepherd, Managing Director, BAE Systems Australia – Surface Ships.
Australian Navy Warships
Australia’s Hobart-class destroyers are undergoing Destroyer Capability Enhancement upgrades, while the Anzac-class frigates are set to receive sustainment support under a contract awarded to Babcock Australia earlier this month.
The RAN operates three Hobart-class advanced air warfare destroyers, equipped with the Aegis Combat System paired with the AN/SPY-1D(V) radar.
Each destroyer can launch a variety of weapons, including the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM), Standard Missile-6, and Tomahawk cruise missiles.
Apart from the Mk 45 gun, the Hobart-class is also armed with the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System.
Like the Hobart-class destroyer, the Anzac-class frigates are also equipped with the Mk 45 gun, operate the MH-60R Seahawk, and launch ESSMs.
They are set to be progressively replaced with Japan’s upgraded Mogami-class design.