BAE Systems Secures $70M Deal to Modernize U.S. Navy Mk 45 Naval Guns for Advanced Warfare

BAE Systems has secured a contract worth over $70 million with the U.S. Navy to upgrade its Mk 45 naval gun systems, a critical component of the Navy's firepower arsenal. This includes a recent $23.5 million modification to the initial $47 million agreement signed in July, further solidifying BAE Systems’ role in enhancing the Navy's combat capabilities.

The contract focuses on upgrading the Mk 45 systems to the advanced Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration. This involves the installation of a 62-caliber barrel, a reinforced gun mount, and a state-of-the-art digital control system. These modifications are designed to improve system performance, allowing seamless integration with advanced targeting and fire control systems. One of the standout features of the upgrade is its ability to accommodate modernized munitions with 50% greater firing energy, providing the Navy with enhanced long-range precision and striking power.

Additionally, the Mk 45 Mod 4 upgrade lays the foundation for future precision-guided munitions. These advancements will allow the U.S. Navy to extend its operational reach significantly, particularly in contested environments. The enhanced system is expected to bolster both offensive strike and defensive capabilities, ensuring that sailors remain equipped to face emerging threats in modern naval warfare.

Commenting on the program, Brent Butcher, Vice President of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, underscored the importance of the upgrade. “Recent events in the Red Sea highlight the critical need for advanced naval firepower. With the Mk 45 Mod 4, sailors gain enhanced protection and cutting-edge capabilities,” Butcher said. The statement reflects the growing importance of precision and adaptability in the Navy's weapon systems, especially in volatile regions.

The decision to modernize the existing Mk 45 naval guns rather than develop entirely new platforms is a cost-effective and efficient approach. By upgrading the systems, the Navy ensures that its fleet remains ready for future challenges without the significant expense and time associated with developing new weapon systems from scratch. These enhancements will enable the Navy to respond to diverse threats, including long-range air defense and surface strikes, with increased effectiveness.

The work on these upgrades will take place at BAE Systems’ manufacturing facility in Louisville, Kentucky, with project completion targeted for the end of 2028. The contract is part of the Navy's broader initiative to modernize its fleet and maintain a technological edge in an era of rapid advancements in military technology.

As global naval competition intensifies, particularly in areas like the Indo-Pacific and the Middle East, the Mk 45 Mod 4 upgrade ensures that the U.S. Navy remains at the forefront of maritime defense. The combination of increased firing energy, compatibility with precision munitions, and advanced digital systems positions the Navy to meet both current and future operational requirements effectively.

This modernization program not only underscores the importance of maintaining cutting-edge naval firepower but also highlights the growing reliance on industry partnerships to deliver cost-effective and timely solutions for national defense. BAE Systems’ ongoing collaboration with the U.S. Navy exemplifies how innovation and strategic investment are shaping the future of naval warfare.