UK: BAE Systems begins Mk 45 Naval Gun installation on HMS Glasgow, first Type 26 frigate.

According to information published by BAE Systems on September 23, 2024, the company has initiated the integration of the Mk 45 naval gun system onto HMS Glasgow, the first of the U.K. Royal Navy’s eight planned Type 26 frigates. This installation marks a significant milestone in the Type 26 program, as HMS Glasgow becomes the first vessel to receive the advanced Mk 45 gun and its fully automated Ammunition Handling System (AHS).
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Mk 45 naval gun. (Picture source: BAE Systems)

The Mk 45 naval gun, a 5-inch, 62-caliber weapon, is equipped with the latest Mod 4A upgrades. It is designed to enhance the operational capabilities of the Royal Navy’s next-generation frigates by delivering superior firepower and increased automation. The accompanying AHS plays a critical role by streamlining the reloading process, maintaining performance in all sea conditions, reducing crew workload, and improving safety. The system can handle a variety of 5-inch munitions currently used by naval forces.

This integration is the first of eight planned across the Royal Navy’s new frigate class, with BAE Systems contracted for $219 million in February 2023 to deliver the Mk 45 and AHS for the next batch of vessels. The system’s adoption is not limited to the U.K.; the Mk 45 has also been selected for Australia’s Hunter Class frigates, which are based on the Type 26 design. Engineering and program support are provided by BAE Systems’ Minneapolis facility, with production taking place in Louisville, Kentucky.

Technical data

The Mk 45 boasts a 127 mm (5-inch) caliber with a barrel length of approximately 60 calibers (7.5 meters). Depending on the mount configuration, it typically weighs between 20 to 25 tons.

The gun can elevate from -15 degrees to +85 degrees and offers a full 360-degree traverse. It has a sustained rate of fire of around 20 rounds per minute, with a maximum rate reaching up to 25 rounds per minute.

The Mk 45 can fire a variety of ammunition types, including High-Explosive (HE), Armor-Piercing (AP), Guided Projectiles like the Extended Range Guided Munition (ERGM), and Illuminating Rounds. The effective range for standard HE shells extends up to 22 kilometers, with guided munitions potentially reaching even greater distances based on the projectile type.