Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems to equip Hunter class frigates with Mk 45s

Defence

BAE Systems to equip Hunter class frigates with Mk 45s

BAE Systems has received a contract to deliver multiple shipsets of the Mk 45 Medium Calibre Gun and automated Ammunition Handling System (AHS) for the Royal Australian Navy’s new Hunter class frigates.

Above: The Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) fires the Mark 45 five-inch lightweight gun while operating in the Philippine Sea, 15th January.
Credit: US Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Greg Johnson

The Mk 45 gun system will equip the Royal Australian Navy with a common, adaptable gun system that can easily integrate advanced munitions to provide the firepower required to meet the Hunter class deterrence mission.

Advertisement
ODU RT

“We are proud to partner with BAE Systems Maritime Australia to deliver the Mk 45 gun system and Ammunition Handling System to the Royal Australian Navy,” said Brent Butcher, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, Inc. “The highly reliable Mk 45 system maximises the lethality of the Hunter class frigates, offers the capability to integrate advanced munitions and supports additional future technology upgrades. With this system fielded on 11 fleets across the globe, it has proven it offers high-reliability.”
 
The Mk 45 gun system combines the five-inch, 62-calibre Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun with a fully automated AHS that continuously supplies the gun with ammunition, in high sea state conditions, without assistance from the crew. This automated gun system increases Sailor productivity, reduces risk to Sailor safety, and increases the operational capability of the Mk 45 at sea.
 
Work on the contract will begin in 2023 and finish in 2036. Engineering work will be completed in Minneapolis, Minnesota and production will occur in Louisville, Kentucky.
 
BAE Systems has delivered over 280 shipboard applications to the US Navy and 11 fleets across the globe.

 

Advertisement
ODU RT

 

 

Advertisement
PTC PTC
Titan secures key accreditations

Aerospace Defence

Titan secures key accreditations

2 May 2025

Titan Manufacturing - based in Weymouth, Dorset - has achieved two significant accreditations that position the company as a trusted supplier for military and defence contracts.

UK-made RAF drones become operational

Defence

UK-made RAF drones become operational

2 May 2025

The Royal Air Force’s new UK made drones - known as StormShroud - came into operation today.

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

Defence

Arondite raises $12m to connect defence systems with AI

2 May 2025

British company Arondite - which is building AI to transform how defence organisations safely deliver 'human-machine' teaming at scale - has secured over $12 million in funding from leading global investors.

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

Defence

SubSea Craft unveils MARS USV

1 May 2025

British advanced maritime tech company SubSea Craft (SSC) has unveiled a new Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) capability, MARS, marking the company’s second product offering following the success of its VICTA diver delivery platform.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025
SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

Defence

SEA secures contract with Thales to support Royal Navy ships

1 May 2025

SEA has secured a 15-year contract with Thales as part of the Maritime Sensor Enhancement Team (MSET) programme.

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Shipley UK and Kahootz partner to enhance opportunity capture

1 May 2025

Kahootz and Shipley UK have announced a strategic partnership to enhance opportunity capture and bid management capabilities.

Advertisement
DSEI 2025