BAE Systems has secured a contract from Damen Naval to provide a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for the Colombian Navy’s PES frigate, a SIGMA-class vessel. The system is designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.
Since 2015, more than 70 Bofors 40 Mk4 systems have been delivered to eight countries. Colombia is the second nation in Latin America to adopt the system, following Brazil, which has designated it as the standard primary gun for small- to medium-sized vessels.
Stefan Löfström, Marketing & Sales Director at BAE Systems Bofors, noted the company’s continued presence in the region, stating that the system offers advanced firepower and rapid response capabilities suited to the Colombian Navy’s requirements.
The Bofors 40 Mk4 is a lightweight and compact naval gun system capable of engaging multiple targets across air, land, and sea. It features seamless ammunition switching and employs programmable 40 mm Bofors 3P ammunition, which offers six different function modes to optimize effectiveness in various scenarios. The gun’s design integrates the latest munitions technology to address a range of threats.
Damen Naval Project Director Jasper Oreel emphasized the significance of this contract, marking the first direct procurement agreement between Damen Naval and BAE Systems Bofors. He expressed anticipation for further collaboration as the PES project progresses.
The installation of the Bofors 40 Mk4 on the Colombian Navy’s PES frigate is scheduled for 2029.