Bofors 57 Mk3 gun selected for Bundespolizei OPVs

BAE Systems has been selected to provide three Bofors 57 Mk3 naval guns for the new 86m Offshore Patrol Vessels to be delivered to the Bundespolizei.

Shipbuilder Fassmer selected BAE to provide the 57mm weapons for the German federal police force’s new OPVs, which will support the vessels in carrying out monitoring missions along the North Sea and Baltic coastlines of Germany. 

The gun system is designed to react quickly for close-to-shore operations, BAE says, 

‘The Bofors 57 Mk3 is a versatile naval gun with firepower and range that exceeds expectations when compared with similar, medium calibre naval gun systems,’ Ulf Einefors, director of marketing and sales for BAE Systems' weapons business in Sweden, said.  

‘That's how our 57-millimetre system has earned its reputation, as the deck gun of choice for ships operating in coastal environments.’

The naval gun is also in use with the navies and coast guards of other allied nations, including Canada, Finland, Mexico, and Sweden, as well as the United States where it is known as the Mk110 naval gun in US service.

This contract also includes the delivery of accompanying fire control systems as well as integration support. 

Work is expected to begin immediately and will be performed at BAE Systems’ facility in Karlskoga, Sweden, with the first unit scheduled for delivery in 2020.

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