UK installs first Mk 45 Mod 4A Naval Gun on HMS Glasgow boosting firepower for Type 26 frigates.

According to information published by the UK MoD on September 8, 2024, the Royal Navy has achieved a key milestone in the construction of its new Type 26 frigates, as HMS Glasgow has become the first ship to be fitted with the UK’s Mk 45 Mod 4A medium-caliber gun.
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British Type 26 frigate HMS Glasgow. (Picture source: UK MoD)

This 5-inch (127mm) gun, designed by BAE Systems, will serve a dual role—engaging both surface and aerial threats, as well as supporting ground operations with naval gunfire. This marks a departure from the Mk 8 4.5-inch gun that the Royal Navy had relied on since the 1970s.

One of the key features of the Mk 45 Mod 4A system is its automation, particularly its integrated Ammunition Handling System (AHS). This advanced system allows the gun to operate with fewer crew members and increases safety by reducing the manual handling of shells. The AHS feeds the gun's 20-round drum loader, which can rapidly deliver firepower, capable of handling different types of munitions, including programmable rounds. This flexibility allows the Type 26 frigates to respond to various threats, from land targets to fast-attack craft and drones.

Implications for Future Warfare

The integration of the Mk 45 Mod 4A on the Type 26 frigates positions the Royal Navy to meet evolving threats in modern naval warfare. The frigate’s versatility and firepower make it suitable for both traditional large-scale conflicts and newer forms of maritime combat involving non-state actors or hybrid warfare. For example, Iran’s use of small boats to harass larger warships in the Gulf has become a serious consideration for navies operating in such constrained waters.

Type 26 frigates

The UK's Royal Navy plans to acquire eight Type 26 ships, with the first, HMS Glasgow, expected to enter service in the mid-2020s. These frigates are being built to replace the aging Type 23 fleet.

Australia will build nine modified versions of the ship, known as the Hunter-class, while Canada is working on up to 15 ships for its Canadian Surface Combatant project.

Each Type 26 is approximately 150 meters long, displacing around 6,900 tonnes, with a top speed exceeding 26 knots and an operational range of over 7,000 nautical miles. ore weaponry includes the Sea Ceptor air defense missile system, a five-inch main gun, and the Mk 41 vertical launch system for future missile options. These frigates can also deploy unmanned systems, helicopters, and rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs).