In a significant move to bolster its naval capabilities, the US Navy has awarded a $70 million contract to BAE Systems aimed at upgrading its Mk 45 5-inch naval gun systems to the more advanced Mod 4 configuration. This contract adds an additional $23.5 million to a prior order that was valued at $47 million, underscoring the Navy’s commitment to enhancing its firepower amidst evolving global threats.
The upgrades to the Mk 45 gun systems aim to enable the deployment of modern munitions that promise an impressive 50 percent increase in firepower. BAE Systems has articulated that this enhancement will play a vital role in ensuring the operational readiness of US Navy vessels, especially in light of heightened tensions in regions such as the Red Sea, where recent Houthi attacks have targeted US warships. Brent Butcher, Vice President of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, emphasized the importance of advanced firepower, stating, “Equipped with the latest configuration of the Mk 45 gun system, the men and women in the Navy have the capabilities to protect themselves at sea.”
The work associated with this upgrade is set to be completed by the end of 2028 and will be conducted at BAE’s production facility located in Louisville, Kentucky. The Mk 45 Mod 4 is designed to support various naval operations, including anti-surface, strike, and anti-air warfare missions.
Notable features of the Mk 45 Mod 4 include a 62-caliber barrel, a reinforced gun structure, and a low-maintenance gun shield designed to minimize its radar signature. Additionally, the Mod 4 variant boasts a fully digital control system that seamlessly integrates targeting and fire control data, enhancing operational efficiency. The system is capable of providing Naval Surface Fire Support with a striking range exceeding 20 nautical miles, leveraging the US Navy’s 5-inch Cargo projectile which includes an upgraded propelling charge.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 will be installed on the US Navy’s DDG 51-class destroyers, which follows its prior integration with the DDG 81 ship. Furthermore, the Mod 4 configuration is also in service with the naval forces of South Korea, Japan, and Denmark, illustrating its international relevance and reliability.
As military engagements and geopolitical dynamics continue to evolve, the enhanced capabilities of the Mk 45 Mod 4 gun system are poised to play a crucial role in maintaining maritime security and operational effectiveness for the US Navy and its allies.
