BAE Systems Secures Contract to Equip Dutch and Belgian ASWF Frigates with Bofors 40Mk4 Naval Guns.

On November 1, 2024, BAE Systems announced a major contract with the Dutch Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) for the supply of eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun systems. These systems will equip the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy’s forthcoming anti-submarine warfare frigates (ASWF). This acquisition is an integral part of the ASWF program, a collaborative effort between the two nations to strengthen maritime defenses through a state-of-the-art frigate fleet.
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BAE Systems Bofors 40Mk4 naval gun system, chosen for the Dutch and Belgian navies’ new anti-submarine warfare frigates, provides advanced targeting capabilities against air, surface, and land threats with programmable 3P ammunition for maximum versatility. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

Under the contract, BAE Systems will supply eight 40Mk4 naval guns, providing each of the planned four ASWFs (Anti-Submarine Warfare) for Belgian and Dutch Navies with two gun systems. These advanced naval guns will enhance anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities, alongside additional weaponry such as Naval Strike Missiles and ESSM Block 2 missiles. The addition of these systems underscores both nations’ commitment to bolstering their maritime capabilities.

Stefan Löfström, Marketing & Sales Director at BAE Systems Bofors, highlighted the strategic significance of this milestone: “This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition. BAE Systems continues to support our NATO allies by delivering enhanced capabilities to help keep Europe safe.”

The contract also includes installation, training, documentation, spare parts, and maintenance tools, along with an option for additional units for training purposes. A particularly notable feature of the 40Mk4 system is its compatibility with BAE Systems’ 3P (Prefragmented, Programmable, Proximity-fuzed) ammunition. This versatile 40mm ammunition is designed to switch seamlessly among six different function modes, allowing rapid targeting adjustments for air, surface, and land threats. The 3P ammunition’s programmability offers operators customized response capabilities, further enhancing the ASWF’s effectiveness.

The ASWF program itself represents a strategic modernization effort, replacing the aging Karel Doorman-class frigates with new ships focused on anti-submarine warfare. Each nation has committed to acquiring two ASWF frigates, with the Netherlands considering a potential third vessel to expand its fleet. Damen Shipyards Group will oversee the frigate construction, with hull fabrication in Romania and final outfitting in the Netherlands.

The ASWF frigates will integrate advanced detection and response systems to counter underwater and multi-domain threats. This includes Thales’ Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) for sophisticated fire control and sensor integration, alongside NH90 helicopters equipped with Mk54 torpedoes, to bolster anti-submarine mission readiness. These capabilities emphasize the ASWF’s adaptability and resilience, contributing to NATO’s overall regional defense network.

The ASWF program timeline anticipates the Netherlands receiving its first frigate in 2029, followed by Belgium in 2030, with full operational capability for all four frigates expected by 2032. Investments for the project have reached approximately €1.9 billion from the Netherlands and €2 billion from Belgium, signaling each nation’s dedication to enhancing maritime security and interoperability within NATO.

With the inclusion of Bofors 40Mk4 naval guns and an array of cutting-edge weaponry, the new ASWF frigates are set to boost the Dutch and Belgian navies' operational capabilities significantly. This joint effort integrates the latest naval technology and will prepare both navies for evolving maritime challenges while reinforcing NATO’s defense posture in Europe.