Damen Naval has awarded BAE Systems a contract to supply a Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system for installation on the Colombian Navy Plataforma Stratégica de Superficie (PES) frigate.
This system is designed for both anti-aircraft and anti-surface operations.
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Since 2015, more than 70 systems have been sold to eight countries, making Colombia the second Latin American nation to employ this highly adaptable and multi-target naval gun.
BAE Systems Bofors marketing and sales director Stefan Löfström said: “We are delivering cutting-edge solutions that include advanced firepower and the lightening quick response that the Colombian Navy requires.”
The Bofors 40 Mk4 naval gun system features a compact design and light weight.
It can switch between different types of ammunition allowing for effective engagement with threats across air, land, and sea.
The programmable 40mm Bofors 3P ammunition further enhances the system’s combat flexibility, offering six different function modes to tailor the munition’s effect to the specific target.
The installation of the 40mm gun on the PES frigate is scheduled for 2029.
This system, combined with new munitions technology, is intended to address both current and unforeseen threats effectively.
Damen Naval project director Jasper Oreel said: “Damen Naval is very pleased that BAE Systems Bofors will strengthen the versatile combat capabilities of the SIGMA 10514 based PES frigate with their Bofors 40 Mk4 for the Colombian Navy.
“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.”
The PES frigate is projected for delivery by 2030.
Prior to this, Saab, a Swedish defence contractor, was contracted in February 2025 to supply a combat management system for the PES programme.
In 2022, an agreement was reached between Colombian shipyard COTECMAR and Damen Naval to co-develop the contractual design for the PES.
Following this, a contract was signed in August 2024 for technical support and the supply of components for the construction of the PES.
