Babcock and BAE Systems partner on naval gun support for UK’s Type 31 frigates

September 19, 2025, by Aida Čučuk

Defense company Babcock has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with BAE Systems Bofors, a subsidiary of defense company BAE Systems, to offer a package of support for the Royal Navy’s Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates’ multi-purpose Bofors guns.

Under the agreement, Babcock and BAE Systems are expected to provide an in-service support (ISS) for the Bofors 40 Mk4 and 57 Mk3 naval gun systems. As disclosed, the parties are already working together as the guns are being installed on the fleet of five Type 31 ships currently being built at Babcock’s Rosyth facility.

Neal Misell, CEO of Babcock’s Mission Systems business, commented: “These assets will provide a vital part of a ship’s defence and the signing of this MOU brings together our unmatched team of experts to support these critical naval gunnery systems through life. With decades of technological experience and an intricate understanding of both the weapons systems and the platforms they will be operating from, we are geared and ready to provide the most capable and cost-effective support we believe is available for these guns.”

Patrik Selling, Director of Naval Sales at BAE Systems Bofors, stated: “We are looking forward to contributing to an in-service support solution for our 40 and 57mm naval guns that will fulfil the needs of the UK MOD and the Royal Navy, ensuring that the guns will be in effective service for many decades to come.”

To note, the Type 31 frigates are the UK’s general-purpose warships designed to replace some of the aging Type 23 frigates. It is understood that the Royal Navy will receive a total of five of these ships, completed within 10 years from the point of initial contract award.

Each Type 31 frigate measures approximately 139 meters in length with a beam of about 20 meters, and the ships displace between 5,700 and 7,000 tonnes. Powered to reach speeds over 26 knots, the warships reportedly have an operational range of roughly 7,500 nautical miles.

These frigates are intended to be highly versatile and adaptable platforms suitable for a wide range of missions, including maritime security, escort duties, disaster relief, and future naval warfare involving unmanned systems.

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