Naval top brass have signed off on fitting the first five of Britain’s Type 31 frigates with the Bofors 40 Mk4 and Bofors 57 Mk3 naval guns. The advanced weapons will be installed by defence giant BAE Systems in Sweden, with deliveries expected to take place between 2023 and 2024. Five state-of-the-art, computer-loaded Mk3 medium calibre guns have been ordered, which can hurl automatic salvos of shells at 220 rounds per minute, alongside 10 of the Mk4 small calibre guns.
Both close-in weapon systems are designed to protect the ships against modern and future complex threats.
Lena Gillström, managing director for BAE Systems Bofors, said: ‘We will be providing the most cutting-edge gun system technology available which can adapt to different levels of conflict, including peacekeeping missions, local coastguard operations, and military operations.
‘This contract increases the number of European nations deploying our advanced, flexible weapon systems.’...MORE
