BAE Systems has signed a contract with the Mexican Navy to manufacture and deliver four 57mm Mk3 naval guns.
Capable of firing four rounds per second, the Mk3 is reportedly popular with the US Coast Guard’s National Security cutter and offshore patrol cutter classes, in addition to the US Navy’s LCS ships and the DDG 1000 stealth destroyers.
BAE Systems Sweden Weapon Systems managing director Lena Gillstrom said: "This competitive win shows that BAE Systems’ world-leading 57mm naval gun and ammunition systems continue to be selected as the best solution for both new and existing customers around the world."
The gun can also switch instantly between ammunition types to offer seamless targeting of air, land, and sea-based threats, while offering better survivability and tactical freedom.
In addition to Mexico, the Mk3 is also in service with the navies and coast guards of the US, Canada, Sweden, Finland and Malaysia.
The production of the guns is scheduled to start immediately, with deliveries set to begin in 2015 and run through to 2017.
Work on the final assembly will be carried out at BAE Systems’ Karlskoga facility in Sweden.
Image: BAE’s 57mm Mk3 naval gun. Photo: courtesy of BAE Systems.
