Diehl Defence and BAE Systems are moving to qualify Diehl’s 127 mm ammunition for the Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun while studying the integration of IRIS-T missiles with BAE shipboard launchers. Announced on August 3, 2026, the effort could give NATO and partner navies longer-range naval gunfire and a new European option for shipborne air defence. The ammunition work aims to extend the reach and flexibility of a widely used naval gun, while the missile study will assess whether an IRIS-T variant can be adapted for maritime threats. No contract, warship program or integration schedule has been confirmed, but the cooperation reflects growing demand for stronger naval firepower and layered air defence. Read more...
Diehl Defence and BAE Systems are working to integrate Vulcano 127 mm guided ammunition with the Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun and assess IRIS-T missile integration with shipboard launchers, aiming to expand naval strike range and air-defence options (Picture source: U.S. DoW).