Babcock and BAE Systems Bofors coordinate capabilities for gunnery support

We've signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BAE Systems Bofors to offer a comprehensive package of support for the Royal Navy's Type 31 Inspiration Class frigates multi-purpose Bofors guns.

Working collaboratively for the anticipated in-service support (ISS) opportunity for the Bofors 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 Naval Gun Systems, the MOU brings together experts with unrivalled knowledge, technical capability and experience of the design and production of the cutting-edge gun system and wider gunnery support.

We have an established relationship with the BAE Systems Bofors team and are already working closely together as the Bofors guns are being installed on the fleet of five Type 31 Inspiration class ships currently being built at our Rosyth facility - with the teams overseeing the preparatory integration and UK acceptance to service activities of these gunnery assets.

Our Mission Systems gunnery team has an impressive track record of international technical and field support, logistics and inventory management, independent safety assessments, maintenance, overhaul and repair. It's also the lead provider of ISS to current Royal Navy Maritime Gunnery Systems including the 4.5" Mk8 gun, Phalanx Close-In Weapon System and the GSA9 gunfire control system.

BAE Systems Bofors is recognised globally as one of the leading manufacturers of gunnery systems. As the original equipment manufacturer, it holds the deep technical knowledge and design authority expertise to complement our capabilities as the prospective ISS provider and combined this develops an enduring offering for global customers.

Neal Misell, CEO of Babcock's Mission Systems business, said: "These assets will provide a vital part of a ship's defence and the signing of this MOU brings together our unmatched team of experts to support these critical naval gunnery systems through life.

"With decades of technological experience and an intricate understanding of both the weapons systems and the platforms they will be operating from, we are geared and ready to provide the most capable and cost-effective support we believe is available for these guns."

Patrik Selling, Director Naval Sales at BAE Systems Bofors said: "We are looking forward to contributing to an in-service support solution for our 40 and 57mm naval guns that will fulfil the needs of the UK MOD and the Royal Navy, ensuring that the guns will be in effective service for many decades to come."