Dutch And Belgian Navies Buy Bofors From BAE Systems

Vessels built for the Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Navy under their joint Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigates (ASWF) programme will be armed with anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare guns made by BAE Systems.

The British-based multinational defence firm has just signed an agreement with COMMIT, the Dutch Command Materiel and IT (COMMIT) government agency which will see it acquire a total of eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems for four new ships, which are set to be evenly split between the two participating navies.

As per the firm's recent press statement, the deal also includes an option to acquire extra guns for training and the company's 3P programmable ammunition. The first of the weapons is expected to be delivered in 2026.

The compact lightweight guns have six operating modes and are designed to switch rapidly between ammunition types to provide protection against air, land and sea-based threats. 

“This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition,” said Stefan Löfström, marketing & sales director at BAE Systems Bofors.

The four ships initially being constructed under the ASWF programme will replace the two European navies' Multipurpose Frigates; a further two frigates are planned for the Dutch Navy. They will feature 76mm cannons built by OTO Melara, part of Leonardo, as their primary naval gun. The first of the vessels is planned to be commissioned in 2029.

• You can read more details on the BAE Systems website