The first Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun system has been installed on Glasgow , the first of eight Type 26 frigates on order for the UK Royal Navy. (BAE Systems )
BAE Systems has begun integrating the first Mk 45 Mod 4A medium-calibre gun system onboard the future HMS Glasgow (F 88), the lead vessel in the UK Royal Navy's (RN's) Type 26 City-class frigate programme.
The gun was installed at BAE Systems' Scotstoun facility on the River Clyde, where the ship is currently being fitted out.
In a 23 September announcement BAE Systems said it marked the first installation of the Mk 45 and its ammunition handling system (AHS) on a Type 26 frigate – representing a significant milestone for the eight-ship programme. All ships in the class are planned to be fitted with the weapon system.
BAE Systems was awarded an initial GBP183 million (USD240.3 million) contract in July 2016 to supply the RN with three Mk 45 Maritime Indirect Fire Systems (MIFSs) to equip the three Batch 1 Type 26 frigates. This was followed in February 2023 with the award of a second contract worth USD219 million for five additional MIFSs to equip the remaining ships in the class.
Both the Batch 1 and 2 guns are reconditioned Mk 45 Mod 2 mountings upgraded to Mod 4A standard.
The MIFS combines the five inch 62 calibre Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun system with a fully automated AHS, a gun fire-control system, and qualified ammunition.
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