Strategic Partnership Unveiled: Sweden and Finland Select BAE Systems for Bofors 57mm Mk 3 Stealth ɡᴜп with 3P Ammo

Dec 15, 2023

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BAE Systems inked two contracts valued at around $32 million, securing procurement for its cutting-edge Bofors 57mm 3P (Pre-fragmented, Programmable, Proximity-fused) advanced ammunition. The agreements were executed through joint collaboration with the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and the Finnish Defence Forces Logistics Command (FDF LOG COM).

The 3P ammunition is specifically crafted for the Bofors 57 Mk3 naval gun system, serving as the primary naval gun for both the Swedish and Finnish navies. Additionally, BAE Systems manufactures a 40mm 3P variant compatible with the Bofors 40 Mk4 gun system. These versions boast programmability in six distinct function modes. Furthermore, they are adaptable for use in combat vehicles, exemplified by the Swedish Army’s CV90s, equipped with a Bofors 40mm turret.

Sweden has placed a substantial order for the Bofors 57mm 3P advanced ammunition, with an order totaling around $18 million. This procurement is a pivotal measure for the Swedish Armed Forces as they intensify their readiness efforts in response to the prevailing security situation in Central Europe. Additionally, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration holds a contract option for acquiring additional quantities in 2023. Meanwhile, Finland is also acquiring a significant stock of these ammunition rounds, amounting to approximately $14 million. This move plays a crucial role in enhancing supply security, with a specific focus on reinforcing the readiness of Finland and, notably, the Finnish Navy.

Stefan Löfström, the Director of Marketing and Sales at BAE Systems Bofors in Karlskoga, Sweden, stated, “Our clients in Sweden and Finland are incorporating our advanced 3P ammunition into their preparedness initiatives amid a dynamically evolving security landscape. We observe ongoing interest from other prospective customers seeking the versatility and adaptability inherent in our 3P product line.”

The 57mm Mk110 by BAE Systems (internationally recognized as Bofors’ 57Mk3) represents a line of dual-purpose naval guns crafted and manufactured by the Swedish arms company AB Bofors, now a part of BAE Systems AB since March 2005. Originally conceptualized in the late 1960s, this series emerged as a replacement design for the twin-barreled Bofors 57mm Naval Automatic Gun L/60.

The firearm is under remote control by a fire-control computer, and as a backup measure, it can also be manually operated by the crew using instrument panels located either on the gun or in direct proximity to it. This adaptability is evident in the 57mm Mk110, making it the preferred deck gun for the U.S. Coast Guard’s National Security Cutter and offshore patrol cutter classes of ships. It is also selected for use on U.S. Navy LCS ships.