Babcock International and BAE Systems Bofors have entered into a significant agreement aimed at maintaining the main guns of the Royal Navy’s new Type 31 frigates, ensuring their operational effectiveness for years to come. This collaboration is formalized through a memorandum of understanding that establishes a framework for coordinated in-service support for the Bofors naval gun systems being integrated into the five Type 31 frigates currently under construction at Babcock’s facility in Rosyth, Scotland.
The Type 31 frigates are pivotal to the Royal Navy’s ongoing modernization efforts, positioned as versatile platforms equipped for a range of missions that include maritime security patrols, counter-piracy operations, disaster relief efforts, and deterrence strategies. These new vessels are set to replace the aging Type 23 systems, which have been in service since the 1980s.
To arm the Type 31 frigates, two variants of the Bofors naval gun will be utilized. The Mk3 is recognized for its high flexibility, capable of firing four rounds per second and achieving a maximum range of 17,000 meters (approximately 55,700 feet). This variant sees service with several nations, including the United States, Canada, Sweden, Finland, and Mexico. Meanwhile, the lighter Mk4 variant can fire at an impressive rate of 300 rounds per minute, providing tactical advantages across various levels of conflict with a range of 12,500 meters (around 41,000 feet).
Neal Misell, CEO of Babcock’s Mission Systems, expressed confidence in the company’s extensive technological experience and deep understanding of weapon systems. He emphasized that this knowledge would enable Babcock to deliver efficient and cost-effective support for the naval guns, stating that these armaments play a critical role in the defense capabilities of the ships.
Babcock’s involvement with the Royal Navy is not a new endeavor; the company has a history of delivering various defense systems, including the Mk8 gun and the Phalanx Close-In Weapon System. Babcock also has the distinction of being the manufacturer of the UK’s new frigates, a role established in a 2019 announcement.
In May, Babcock unveiled HMS Venturer, the Royal Navy’s first Type 31 frigate, which completed three years of construction. This marks the beginning of a series of five frigates that the UK plans to deploy by 2030, alongside HMS Active, HMS Bulldog, HMS Campbeltown, and HMS Formidable. Luke Pollard, the UK Minister for Armed Forces, noted that HMS Venturer exemplifies the pinnacle of Britain’s celebrated shipbuilding legacy.
