BAE Systems secures contract to equip Australia Navy's Hunter class frigates with Mk45 naval guns.

According to information published by BAE Systems on November 15, 2023, the company has been awarded a contract to provide several Mk 45 Medium Caliber Gun systems and their associated automated Ammunition Handling Systems (AHS) to the Royal Australian Navy for its new fleet of Hunter class frigates.
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Artist rendering of the future Australian Hunter class frigate. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

The Mk 45 gun system is designed to provide a versatile and adaptable gun system for the Hunter class frigates, capable of integrating advanced munitions to meet their deterrence mission.

The Mk 45 gun system integrates a 5-inch, 62-caliber Mk 45 Mod 4A naval gun with a fully automated AHS. This system is designed to supply ammunition to the gun in high sea state conditions without needing crew assistance, aiming to improve Sailor productivity, enhance safety, and increase the operational capability of the Mk 45 at sea.

The work on this contract is scheduled to start in 2023 and is expected to be completed by 2036. The engineering work will be conducted in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with production taking place in Louisville, Kentucky. This contract reflects BAE Systems' role in advancing naval defense technology and its support for the Royal Australian Navy.

Hunter class

The Hunter class frigates, with a full load displacement of 10,000 tons, are notable for their impressive size and capabilities. Each frigate stretches 151.4 meters in length and has a beam of 20.8 meters, providing a robust and stable platform for various naval operations.

These ships are powered by a CODLOG (Combined Diesel-electric Or Gas) configuration, which includes a Rolls-Royce MT30 gas turbine and four MTU Type 20V 4000 M53B high-speed diesel generators, supplemented by two electric motors. This setup enables the frigates to reach speeds exceeding 27 knots and allows them to travel up to 7,000 nautical miles when powered by electric motor drive.

The Hunter class frigates are staffed by 180 personnel, with the capacity to accommodate up to 208. Their advanced sensor and processing systems include the Aegis combat system and the Saab 9LV tactical interface.

For surveillance and weapon targeting, the ships are equipped with CEA Technologies' CEAFAR2 phased array radar, CEAFAR-L and CEAFAR-S radars, and a CEAMOUNT fire control illuminator. Their underwater warfare capabilities are enhanced by the Ultra S2150 hull-mounted sonar and the Thales Sonar 2087 towed array and variable depth sonar.