BAE Systems to Supply Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun for Colombian Navy Frigate

BAE Systems has secured a contract from Damen Naval to supply a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for the Colombian Navy's PES frigate, a SIGMA-class vessel.

The gun will be used for anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.

Colombia becomes the second Latin American country to adopt the Bofors 40 Mk4, following Brazil, which uses it as the primary gun system on small- to medium-sized naval vessels.

The Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun is compact and lightweight, allowing for rapid response and operational flexibility. It can switch between ammunition types, providing multi-target engagement across air, land, and sea threats. The system uses programmable Bofors 3P ammunition, which can be set in six modes to adapt to different combat scenarios.

The Bofors 40 Mk4 is scheduled for installation on the PES frigate in 2029.

The Colombian Navy's SIGMA-class PES frigate, based on Damen Naval's SIGMA 10514 series, is a 107.5-meter vessel with a 14.02-meter beam and a displacement of 2,800 to 2,900 tons. It reaches speeds of 28 knots (52 km/h), has a range of 5,000 nautical miles at 14 knots, and uses a combined diesel or electric (CODOE) propulsion system. It accommodates 120 personnel and can carry a 10-ton helicopter.

Its weapons include a 76 mm gun, a Close-In Weapon System (CIWS), Surface-to-Surface Missile (SSM) and Surface-to-Air Missile (SAM) launchers, and a torpedo system. It features 3D surveillance radar, radar/electro-optical fire control, a hull-mounted sonar, and advanced electronic warfare systems.

Built by COTECMAR in Cartagena with support from Damen Naval, it is scheduled for delivery to the Colombian Navy in 2030.