Damen Naval has awarded BAE Systems a contract to provide a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for the Colombian Navy’s new Plataforma Estratégica de Superficie frigate. The British defense firm said the gun system will be used for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.
The system uses programmable 40 mm Bofors 3P ammunition, which can be set to six different function modes for optimized impact. Colombia is the second Latin American nation to select the Bofors 40 Mk4, following Brazil’s adoption of the system as its standard primary gun for smaller vessels.
Stefan Löfström, director of Marketing & Sales at BAE Systems Bofors, highlighted the company’s growing presence in Latin America and its commitment to providing advanced firepower and rapid response capabilities, noting, “We continue to be a trusted partner in Latin America, providing world-leading capabilities in the region to support future growth.”
According to Damen Naval Project Director Jasper Oreel, adding the Bofors 40 Mk4 will enhance the PES frigate’s combat capabilities. “As this is the first (direct) procurement contract between BAE Systems Bofors and Damen Naval, we are looking forward to further establishing our business relationship and the PES project execution,” he said.
The gun system is scheduled for installation on the PES ship in 2029. In addition to the gun system, Damen Naval previously tapped Swedish manufacturer Saab to provide the ship’s combat system. Also known as the Strategic Surface Platform, PES is based on Damen Naval’s SIGMA 10514 series and is the first frigate to be built in Colombia. Delivery of the first PES unit is expected in 2030.