BAE Systems Australia awarded $32m contract to continue sustaining Mk 45 naval guns

The Mk 45 is a 5-inch (127 mm) lightweight artillery gun that defends and supports warships and has been deployed on RAN vessels for decades for its versatility. Designed for and used by the US Navy, it’s a core capability of many allied navies’ surface combatants and will be utilised on Australia’s future Hunter Class frigates.

Through the contract, the company will also refurbish the Mk 45s on the Hobart Class destroyers as they undergo their Destroyer Capability Enhancement upgrade programs, with HMAS Hobart’s currently being refurbished at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.

The sustainment work will be carried out at the company’s dedicated Mk 45 workshop in Henderson, Western Australia, by a specialist team that has been involved in supporting the naval guns since the Anzac Class frigates entered service in the 1990s.

The Mk 45 facility is one of only two sites in the world that can both refurbish and replace bespoke components on the guns.

“BAE Systems Australia welcomes the Mk 45 naval gun sustainment contract and to continue delivering for the Royal Australian Navy on its frontline Hobart Class destroyers and workhorse Anzac Class frigates,” said David Shepherd, managing director, surface ships, BAE Systems Australia – Maritime.

“The Mk 45 naval gun systems are crucial capabilities for Navy and underpin the firepower of Australia’s surface combatant fleet. Through this work, we are helping ensure these critical assets remain ready to support Navy operations for years to come.”

Robert Dougherty

Author

Robert is a senior journalist who has previously worked for Seven West Media in Western Australia, as well as Fairfax Media and Australian Community Media in New South Wales. He has produced national headlines, photography and videography of emergency services, business, community, defence and government news across Australia. Robert graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Majoring in Public Relations and Journalism at Curtin University, attended student exchange program with Fudan University and holds Tier 1 General Advice certification for Kaplan Professional. Reach out via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or via LinkedIn.

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