Armed Forces News

The Navy has awarded a $46.8 million contract to BAE Systems, for the delivery of four Mk 45 naval guns. The contract also includes a provision to increase firepower and extend the range of existing guns. BAE calls the Mk 45 the lightest and most compact fully automatic 5-inch gun in existence.

“The Mk 45 is the industry standard for large-caliber naval guns, and the … updates make the system easier to integrate onto the ship and more adaptable to advanced munitions,” said BAE’s Joseph Senftle, general manager of the company’s weapons-systems program.

The conversions will take place at BAE’s Louisville, Ky., facility, and should be complete by 2021, the company stated.