PARIS, — BAE Systems has unveiled a new family of modular 40mm naval gun systems at Euronaval 2026 in Paris. The systems are based on the combat-proven Bofors 40mm cannon and its programmable 3P ammunition, offering different levels of protection against air, surface and shore-based threats.
The new family includes Sea Tridon, Sea Tridon C, Sea Trinity and the Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun. The modular approach allows navies to select sensor integration, fire-control capabilities and deployment options while maintaining common training, logistics and support.
Lena Gillström, President of BAE Systems Bofors, said the rapidly changing maritime threat environment requires flexible protection solutions. The new systems are designed to address threats such as drones, loitering munitions, uncrewed surface vessels and anti-ship missiles.
Four Naval Gun Configurations
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Sea Tridon: Combines the Bofors 40mm gun with an integrated electro-optical fire-control system. It can operate independently of a ship’s combat management system, making it suitable for vessels with limited combat-system integration. It has a rate of fire of 300 rounds per minute, a maximum range of 12,500 metres and a muzzle velocity of 1,012 m/s with 3P ammunition. The gun is gyro-stabilised, with elevation limits of –20° to +80° and unlimited training through a slip ring. Its primary magazine holds at least 30 rounds, with options for below-deck loading or a secondary magazine. Barrel life is rated at 5,000 rounds.
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Sea Tridon C: A containerised version of Sea Tridon designed for rapid deployment on military, government or commercial vessels. It uses a standard ISO container footprint and can include its own power and climate-control equipment. The configuration is intended for temporary, mission-specific protection, including commercial shipping operating in higher-threat areas.
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Sea Trinity: The most advanced configuration, combining the 40mm gun, 3P ammunition and an integrated radar fire-control system into a complete close-in weapon system (CIWS). It is designed to engage drones, incoming missiles and other high-speed threats. Its integrated sensors and fire control allow the system to operate independently of a ship’s wider combat system when rapid reaction is required. BAE Systems says it is intended to match or exceed the performance of systems such as Goalkeeper.
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Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun: A compact, lightweight and fully automated naval gun designed for integration with a ship’s combat system. It can fire 300 rounds per minute and is compatible with 3P ammunition. The system is in service with, or on order for, nine countries, including Brazil, Japan, Sweden and Finland. The Royal Navy has ordered it for Type 31 frigates, while Brazil has contracted for units for its patrol vessels.
Bofors 3P Ammunition Provides Common Capability
All four systems use Bofors 3P programmable ammunition, which can be configured immediately before firing. The ammunition offers six programmable fuze modes, allowing a single round family to engage different types of air, surface and shore-based targets.
The rounds contain tungsten pellets designed to improve effectiveness against aerial targets. The system can also engage targets with a relatively small number of rounds, allowing the magazine to support multiple engagements.
Common ammunition and spare parts across the land-based Tridon, the new naval variants and existing 40 Mk4 installations are intended to simplify logistics and reduce the support burden for operators.
Testing and Customer Interest
BAE Systems said testing of the naval variants is continuing. The company is also discussing the systems with existing Bofors 40 Mk4 operators and potential new customers.
The new family provides navies with different options, ranging from a stand-alone electro-optical gun system to a radar-equipped close-in weapon system, while retaining common ammunition and support arrangements.
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