Breaking News
Mk 45 Mod 4 Gun Upgrade Prepares US Navy for High Intensity Naval Warfare with Smarter Munitions.
According to a PR published by BAE Systems on January 27, 2025, the U.S. Navy has reinforced its commitment to maintaining maritime firepower by awarding BAE Systems a contract exceeding $70 million to upgrade Mk 45 naval gun systems to the Mod 4 configuration.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link
![](/templates/yootheme/cache/c0/Mk_45_Mod_4_Gun_Upgrade_Prepares_US_Navy_for_High_Intensity_Naval_Warfare_with_Smarter_Munitions-c035bb03.jpeg)
The U.S. Navy upgrades Mk 45 guns to the Mod 4 configuration, increasing range, accuracy, and firepower for modern maritime operations. (Picture source: BAE Systems)
The contract includes a $23.5 million modification to a $47 million agreement established in late July, bringing the total funding to over $70 million. The upgrades to the Mk 45 gun system aim to enhance the Navy's surface fleet with advanced long-range strike and air defense capabilities.
The Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration introduces technical upgrades that transform the legacy 5-inch gun into a more capable and resilient weapon system. Among the enhancements is the integration of a 62-caliber barrel, which replaces the shorter barrels used in earlier configurations. This longer barrel improves muzzle velocity, enabling the gun to fire projectiles with 50% greater kinetic energy compared to older variants. This increase in firing energy allows the system to support modernized munitions and future precision-guided projectiles with extended ranges, aligning with the Navy’s focus on long-range engagement capabilities.
In addition, the Mod 4 configuration includes a reinforced gun mount designed to handle the increased stresses associated with high-energy munitions. This mechanical strengthening ensures the reliability and durability of the system, particularly in high-intensity combat scenarios.
Central to the upgrade is the integration of a fully digital control system. This modernization enables seamless incorporation of targeting and fire control data, allowing the gun to be more responsive to real-time threats. The digital architecture also facilitates compatibility with future advancements in fire control technologies and precision munitions. By enabling the use of smarter, more accurate projectiles, the Mk 45 Mod 4 configuration enhances the Navy's ability to engage both surface and air threats with precision.
The decision to upgrade existing Mk 45 systems rather than replace them with entirely new weapon platforms highlights the Navy's emphasis on cost-effective modernization. Upgrading to the Mod 4 configuration extends the service life of these guns while providing capabilities that meet the demands of modern maritime combat.
The Mk 45 Mod 4’s ability to deliver sustained, long-range firepower is critical in the context of evolving maritime security challenges. Recent events, such as increased tensions in the Red Sea, underscore the importance of reliable naval firepower to ensure the protection of U.S. Navy assets and deter potential adversaries.