BAE Systems press release
The contract is part of the anti-submarine warfare frigates program – a joint venture between the Netherlands and Belgian Navies – and provides both countries with two frigates each and two naval gun systems per frigate.
“This key milestone will ensure the new frigates have the cutting-edge capabilities they require, with the addition of our advanced 3P ammunition,” said Stefan Löfström, marketing & sales director at BAE Systems Bofors. “BAE Systems continues to support our NATO allies by delivering enhanced capabilities to help to keep Europe safe,”
The contract includes installation, training, documentation, spares and tools with an option for BAE Systems’ 3P programmable ammunition and additional guns for training purposes. The first gun is scheduled for delivery in 2026.
The Bofors 40Mk4 is a compact and lightweight naval gun system designed for anti-aircraft and anti-surface warfare operations. It can switch seamlessly among ammunition types, which delivers versatile targeting of air, land and sea-based threats. The programmable 40mm Bofors 3P ammunition provides the naval gun system with the highest possible combat flexibility, as it can be programmed in six different function modes to provide optimized effect. The proven Bofors 40 mm gun, together with the latest in munitions technology, forms a platform ready to meet both the expected – and the unexpected.
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About ASWF – Anti-Submarine Warfare Frigate
The Future Surface Combatant is a project of the Royal Netherlands Navy and Belgian Navy to replace the ageing Multipurpose- or M-frigates (Karel Doorman-class). The future frigates will be replacing HNLMS Van Amstel and HNLMS Van Speijk in the Dutch Navy and Leopold I and the Louise-Marie in the Belgian Navy. The Dutch government announced in September 2024 it would order two additional ASW frigates.
The main task of ASW frigates is remote detection and engagement of submarines. This is done, among other things, with the ship’s own NH90 helicopter. Both the frigate and the helicopter can launch an Mk54 torpedo, which will be available in a few years, to neutralize the submarine. The ASW frigates will be a challenge for the submarines to detect and defend against torpedo attacks. They are set to be fitted with a dedicated ASW USV.
M-Frigate Replacement Specifications
- Displacement: Approx. 6.000 tonnes
- Length: 146 meters
- Speed: +30
- Complement: 120
