Diehl Defence and BAE Systems have entered into a strategic partnership to integrate Diehl’s long-range 127mm Vulcano guided ammunition with the Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun system. The Mk 45, deployed aboard more than 200 warships across numerous allied navies, currently delivers effective fire support at ranges exceeding 20 nautical miles using conventional ammunition. Integrating the Vulcano precision-guided projectile is expected to extend engagement distances to nearly 100 kilometers, allowing naval vessels to strike inland targets with far greater reach and accuracy. Previously, the Vulcano ammunition was primarily compatible with Leonardo’s 127/64 Lightweight naval gun, but integration with the Mk 45 would significantly broaden its availability across global naval fleets. Under the agreement, both companies will jointly complete the technical integration while targeting domestic and international markets. Beyond artillery improvements, the partnership also includes evaluating the integration of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T guided missile family with BAE Systems’ naval launchers. This builds upon previous naval demonstrations of the IRIS-T SLM air defense system aboard a German Navy Type 125 frigate, where the missile reportedly achieved successful interception performance.
