BAE Systems has secured a significant contract with Damen Naval to deliver a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for the Colombian Navy’s PES frigate. The installation of this cutting-edge weapon system is set to be completed by 2029, marking a notable enhancement in the operational capabilities of Colombia’s maritime defense.
Stefan Löfström, marketing and sales director at BAE Systems Bofors, highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to Latin America, emphasizing their role as a trusted partner in the region. “We continue to be a trusted partner in Latin America, providing world-leading capabilities in the region to support future growth,” he stated. With this contract, Colombia joins Brazil as the second country in Latin America to equip its naval vessels with the Bofors 40 Mk4 system, indicating a growing regional partnership in advanced military technology.
The Bofors 40 Mk4 is a state-of-the-art, compact naval gun system designed for dual capabilities in anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations. Its versatile design allows the gun to switch between various types of ammunition, enabling it to effectively engage threats from the air, land, and sea. Notably, the system can transition from firing a warning shot to full engagement in less than half a second, underscoring its responsiveness in critical combat situations. The gun boasts an impressive maximum range of 12,500 meters (41,010 feet) and can achieve a firing rate of 300 rounds per minute, making it a formidable asset for naval engagements.
This contract with the Colombian Navy reflects BAE Systems’ broader strategy of enhancing global naval systems. The company has recently expanded its portfolio through several other contracts. In January, BAE Systems was awarded a $70 million contract by the US Navy for the upgrade of its Mk 45 5-inch naval guns, boosting the overall contract value by adding an additional $23.5 million to a prior $47 million order. Furthermore, in November 2024, BAE secured a deal with the Dutch Ministry of Defense to equip the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies with eight Bofors 40 Mk4 naval guns, ensuring that each of four new anti-submarine warfare frigates will host two of these advanced weapons.
As BAE Systems continues to innovate and expand its reach in naval capabilities, the partnership with the Colombian Navy marks a significant step forward in modernizing maritime defense in the region.
