BAE Systems to Provide Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun for Colombian Navy

BAE Systems has received a contract from Damen Naval to provide a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for the Colombian Navy’s PES frigate.

The gun is scheduled to be installed on the vessel by 2029.

“We continue to be a trusted partner in Latin America, providing world-leading capabilities in the region to support future growth,” said Stefan Löfström, marketing & sales director at BAE Systems Bofors.

Following Brazil, Colombia is now the second country in Latin America to adopt the Bofors 40 Mk4 for its vessels.

“We are delivering cutting-edge solutions that include advanced firepower and the lightning quick response that the Colombian Navy requires,” added Löfström. 

The Bofors 40 Mk4 is a compact, lightweight naval gun system designed for anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.

It can switch between different ammunition types to engage air, land, and sea threats.

The Bofors 40 Mk4 can transition from a warning shot to full engagement in under 0.5 seconds. 

It has a maximum range of 12,500 meters (41,010 feet) and a firing rate of 300 rounds per minute, according to the company's datasheet.

BAE Systems provides navies worldwide with a wide range of naval systems designed for maritime warfare.

In January, the US Navy awarded BAE Systems a $70-million contract to upgrade its Mk 45 5-inch naval guns to the Mod 4 configuration, increasing the total value to $70.5 million by adding $23.5 million to a previous $47 million order.

In November 2024, the company won a contract from the Dutch Ministry of Defense to supply eight Bofors 40Mk4 naval guns for the Royal Netherlands and Belgian navies.

Each of the four new anti-submarine warfare frigates will be equipped with two guns.