Awarded by the Commonwealth of Australia, the contract extends the company’s support for a weapon that underpins the firepower of the Navy’s principal surface combatants. The Mk 45 has served aboard Australian warships for decades and is also planned for the future Hunter class frigates.
The company will refurbish the guns installed on Hobart class destroyers during their Destroyer Capability Enhancement upgrade programmes. The Mk 45 from HMAS *Hobart* is currently being refurbished at the Osborne Naval Shipyard in South Australia.
Most sustainment work will be conducted at BAE Systems Australia’s dedicated Mk 45 workshop in Henderson, Western Australia. The specialist team operating the facility has supported the weapon since the Anzac class frigates entered service in the 1990s.
The Henderson workshop is one of only two facilities worldwide capable of both refurbishing Mk 45 guns and replacing their bespoke components. The contract therefore covers maintenance of the weapons and access to a specialised domestic support capability.
The Mk 45 is a lightweight 5-inch, or 127 mm, artillery system designed to defend warships and support their operations. Developed for and used by the US Navy, it is also a core weapon aboard surface combatants operated by several allied navies.
David Shepherd, Managing Director of BAE Systems Australia – Surface Ships, said the contract would continue the company’s support for both Royal Australian Navy ship classes. “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.”
“The Mk 45 naval gun systems are crucial capabilities for Navy and underpin the firepower of Australia’s surface combatant fleet,” Shepherd said. “Through this work, we are helping ensure these critical assets remain ready to support Navy operations for years to come.”
