BAE Systems to modernise additional US Navy Mk 45 naval guns

BAE Systems has received a new contract option to upgrade a further four of the US Navy’s Mk 45 naval guns.

The contract modification is valued at $46.8m and covers the modernisation of the existing guns to the Mod 4 configuration, which offers enhanced firepower and extended range.

The navy’s Mk 45 is a light, compact, fully automatic 5in naval gun.

Upgrading the weapon to the cost-effective Mod 4 configuration will involve the installation of a structurally strengthened gun mount and the integration of more advanced electronics.

BAE Systems Weapon Systems vice-president and general manager Joseph Senftle said: “The Mk 45 is the industry standard for large-calibre naval guns, and the Mod 4 updates make the system easier to integrate onto the ship and more adaptable to advanced munitions.”

The original $80m contract was awarded in August 2015 and covered the overhaul of Mk 45 guns on the US Navy’s destroyer class (DDG) vessels.

BAE Systems secured a $50m contract option to modernise the navy’s four additional Mk 45 naval guns in September 2016, taking the total value of the deal to $130m.

The current modification will take the total number of Mk 45s to be delivered to the US Navy to 14.

The full value of the award will now amount to $176.8m.

Work on the Mk 45 Mod 4 conversions is expected to be completed by 2021 and will be carried out at the company’s facility in Louisville, Kentucky, US.