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BAE Systems has been awarded a US$30 million contract from the Australian government to upgrade existing Mk 45 Mod 2 naval gun systems on Anzac Class frigates with a Common Control System.
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The upgrade modifies existing Mk 45 systems to eliminate obsolescence issues and extend the life of the gun system. The Common Control System (CCS) upgrade replaces electronics on earlier Mk 45 Mod 1 and Mod 2 gun systems to make them compatible with the Mk 45 Mod 4, the latest configuration used by the US Navy.
Additionally, the upgrade will equip the Anzac Class’ Mk 45s with the capability to integrate future extended-range precision guided munitions, such as the hypervelocity projectile.
Brent Butcher, vice-president of weapon systems at BAE Systems, said, “The Common Control System upgrade is the most cost-effective way to extend the life of Mk 45 gun systems, enabling them to provide critical ship naval fires and creating a configuration that allows for the integration of future precision-guided munitions.”
The cost-effective CCS upgrade ensures that Mk 45 gun systems remain supportable for decades to come and ready to integrate the latest, most innovative technology features to support advanced munitions and future mission capabilities for a significantly lower cost than a new gun.
“We are committed to modernising and equipping allied nations with enhanced Mk 45 gun systems to address current and future threats,” Butcher added.
Work on the contract will take place at the BAE Systems production facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with the first delivery planned in early 2026.
The Mk 45 system Mod 4 incorporates a host of major upgrades, including a 62-calibre barrel, strengthened gun and mount subsystems, advanced control system enhancement, and a reduced signature, low-maintenance gun shield.
These improvements provide naval surface fire support (NSFS) at ranges of more than 20 nautical miles (36 kilometres) with the new five-inch US Navy-developed cargo projectile and an improved propelling charge.
BAE Systems has delivered over 280 shipboard applications to the US Navy and 11 fleets across the globe. Full life cycle support is keyed to the customer and can be supplemented by the worldwide logistics system supporting the US Navy.
