General Atomics

Babcock and BAE Systems Bofors coordinate on gunnery support

Babcock International Group and BAE Systems Bofors have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to offer a comprehensive package of support for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates multipurpose Bofors Guns.

Image courtesy Babcock

Working collaboratively for the anticipated in-service support opportunity for the Bofors 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 naval gun systems, the MoU brings together experts with unrivalled knowledge, technical capability and experience of the design and production of the cutting-edge gun system and wider gunnery support. 

Babcock and the BAE Systems Bofors team have an established relationship and are already working closely together as the Bofors guns are being installed on the fleet of five Type 31 Inspiration class ships currently being built by Babcock at its Rosyth facility with the teams overseeing the preparatory integration and UK acceptance to service activities of these gunnery assets.  

Babcock’s Mission Systems gunnery team has an impressive track record of international technical and field support, logistics and inventory management, independent safety assessments, maintenance, overhaul and repair. It is also the lead provider of In-Service Support (ISS) to current Royal Navy Maritime Gunnery Systems including the 4.5” Mk8 gun, Phalanx Close-In Weapon System and the GSA9 gunfire control system.

BAE Systems Bofors is recognised globally as one of the leading manufacturers of gunnery systems. As the original equipment manufacturer, BAE Systems Bofors hold the deep technical knowledge and design authority expertise to complement the capabilities of Babcock as the prospective ISS provider and combined this develops an enduring offering for global customers. 

Neal Misell, Chief Executive Mission Systems – Babcock said: “These assets will provide a vital part of a ship’s defence and the signing of this MOU brings together our unmatched team of experts to support these critical naval gunnery systems through life. 

“With decades of technological experience and an intricate understanding of both the weapons systems and the platforms they will be operating from, we are geared and ready to provide the most capable and cost-effective support we believe is available for these guns” 

Patrik Selling, Director Naval Sales at BAE Systems Bofors said: “We are looking forward to contributing to an In-Service Support solution for our 40 and 57 mm Naval Guns that will fulfil the needs of the UK MoD and the Royal Navy, ensuring that the guns will be in effective service for many decades to come.”

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