Sweden Orders Four Bofors 57Mk3 Naval Guns From BAE Systems
Sweden’s defence materiel agency FMV has ordered four Bofors 57Mk3 naval guns and programmable 3P ammunition from BAE Systems Bofors. The order was reported on October 21, with deliveries scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
The contract also covers training and services to make the equipment operational. Its value has not been disclosed.
FMV Places the Bofors 57Mk3 Order
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Customer | FMV, the Swedish Defence Materiel Administration |
| Contractor | BAE Systems Bofors |
| Equipment | Four Bofors 57Mk3 naval guns with 3P ammunition |
| Services | Training and services to make the equipment operational |
| Delivery | 2028 to 2029 |
| Value | Not disclosed |
| Use | Replacing systems on some existing navy vessels, according to FMV |
| Reported | October 21, 2026 |
Stefan Löfström, marketing and sales director at BAE Systems Bofors, said the contract “reinforces our long-standing role as a trusted partner to the Swedish armed forces and FMV.” The report does not confirm whether the order supplies the Luleå-class frigates, which are also due to carry the gun.
What 3P Ammunition Does
The 3P round is pre-fragmented, programmable and proximity-fused. BAE Systems says it can engage drones, aircraft, missiles and surface targets, which makes one gun useful for air defence, anti-surface warfare and naval fire support.
That flexibility is the reason cheap guns are drawing renewed interest against drones. Our report on BAE Systems’ APKWS framework covers another low-cost answer to the same threat. Comparing the two is analysis, not a company claim.
The 57Mk3 in Swedish Service
| Class | Number | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Visby-class corvette | 5 | Stealth turrets |
| Gävle-class corvette | 2 | In service with the gun |
| Stockholm-class patrol vessel | 2 | In service with the gun |
| Luleå-class frigate | 4 planned | Also slated to carry the 57Mk3 |
Sweden’s new Luleå-class frigates, built with Naval Group, are further out. Steel cutting for the first ship began on October 1. HMS Luleå is due by the end of 2030, followed by Norrköping in 2032, Trelleborg in 2033 and Halmstad in 2034.
BAE Systems Company Profile
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founded | 1999 |
| Employees | About 110,000 (2026) |
| Revenue | About £28.3 billion (2025) |
| CEO | Charles Woodburn |
| Known programmes | Typhoon, F-35 partnership, Type 26 frigate, Astute-class submarines, Bradley fighting vehicles |
Bofors 57Mk3 Order FAQ
How many guns has Sweden ordered?
Four Bofors 57Mk3 naval guns, with programmable 3P ammunition.
When will they be delivered?
Deliveries are scheduled for 2028 and 2029.
How much does the order cost?
The value has not been disclosed.
What targets can the 3P ammunition engage?
BAE Systems says drones, aircraft, missiles and surface targets.
Which Swedish ships already use the 57Mk3?
Five Visby-class corvettes, two Gävle-class corvettes and two Stockholm-class patrol vessels.
- Defence Industry Europe – “Sweden orders four Bofors 57Mk3 naval guns and programmable ammunition from BAE Systems” (October 21, 2026): defence-industry.eu
- Wikipedia – BAE Systems (company data)
