BAE Systems launches modular naval gun family as navies seek flexible counter-drone and missile defences

BAE Systems has unveiled a new family of modular naval gun systems aimed at giving navies and maritime operators a scalable response to the growing threat from missiles, drones and fast-moving surface targets.

Launched at Euronaval 2026, the range is built around the company’s Bofors 40mm gun and programmable 3P ammunition, but allows customers to select different levels of sensor integration, fire control and deployment flexibility.

The move reflects a broader push across the naval sector towards flexible and layered ship-defence systems capable of countering a widening range of aerial and surface threats.

Four systems to engage with air, surface and shore-based threats

The new family comprises Sea Tridon, Sea Tridon C, Sea Trinity and the Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun.

BAE said the systems share common training, logistics and support arrangements while offering different capability levels and integration options.

Sea Tridon combines the Bofors 40mm gun with an integrated electro-optical fire-control system, providing a largely self-contained solution intended to simplify installation aboard existing vessels.

Sea Tridon C packages that capability into a containerised format designed for rapid deployment on military, government and commercial platforms requiring temporary or mission-specific protection.

Sea Trinity targets growing CIWS requirement

The most capable member of the family is Sea Trinity (above), which combines the 40mm gun, programmable ammunition and radar fire control into a complete close-in weapon system.

The launch comes as navies place increasing emphasis on countering drones, anti-ship missiles and other high-speed threats.

“The maritime threat landscape is evolving rapidly, creating a growing need for flexible and effective protection solutions,” said Lena Gillström, president of BAE Systems Bofors.

“With the Sea Tridon, navies and maritime operators can select the capability level that best meets their operational needs while benefiting from a common platform, proven technology and advanced programmable ammunition.”

Programmable ammunition can be configured “immediately before firing”

At the core of all four systems is BAE’s Bofors 3P programmable ammunition.

The round can be configured immediately before firing and offers six programmable fuze modes tailored to different target types. According to the company, the ammunition can be used against air, surface and shore-based targets, allowing operators to handle multiple threat sets with a single ammunition family.

The fourth member of the range, the Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun, is described as a “modern, compact and lightweight naval gun system designed for integration with ship combat systems, providing effective protection against both air and surface threats.”