In a historic moment for the Royal Navy, two of its next-generation Type 26 City-class frigates, HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff, have been pictured together in the water for the first time. The two vessels were moored alongside each other at BAE Systems’ Scotstoun Yard, with HMS Glasgow now fitted with a state-of-the-art 5-inch Mk45 Mod 4A Medium Calibre Gun.

The Type 26 frigates, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare, are set to replace the ageing Type 23s, but they also boast flexible mission bays, enabling them to perform a variety of roles. These include operating drones, mine-hunting systems, or serving as a base for Royal Marines raiding operations. Eight ships are planned for the City-class fleet, with the advanced Mk45 Mod 4A gun expected to be a staple armament for half a century or more.

The Mk45 Mod 4A, a variant of a US Navy gun used on over 280 warships worldwide, replaces the older Mk8 4.5-inch gun. This new system, which is interoperable with NATO allies, brings improved safety, reliability, accuracy, and automation. It can target enemy positions onshore, aerial drones, and fast-moving attack craft, providing a cost-effective alternative to missile systems. While the gun has yet to be fully operational on HMS Glasgow due to the absence of its barrel, it will eventually fire shells at up to three times the speed of sound.

A key feature of the Mk45 Mod 4A is its automatic handling system, which eliminates the need for sailors to manually supply the gun with ammunition during operations. This system ensures a more efficient and safer reload process, with a 20-round ready-to-use magazine continuously replenished from the ship’s deep magazine.

Neil Stevenson, Type 26 Weapons Group Leader at Defence Equipment and Support, hailed the installation of the gun as a “major milestone” for the Type 26 project. He added, “The Mk45 Mod 4 is a proven, effective weapon that incorporates the latest technologies for today’s multi-mission warships, ensuring that the Royal Navy is equipped for the future.”

This latest development highlights the Royal Navy’s ongoing efforts to modernise its fleet, with the HMS Glasgow and HMS Cardiff set to play pivotal roles in future operations.