Diehl Defence and BAE Systems Integrate Vulcano Ammunition With Mk 45 Naval Gun Diehl Defence and BAE Systems have partnered to integrate the long-range 127mm Vulcano precision-guided ammunition family with the Mk 45 Mod 4 naval gun, significantly enhancing its range and strike capability. The Mk 45, deployed on more than 200 warships across the fleets of over a dozen navies—including the US, Australia, Japan, South Korea, Canada, Spain, Denmark, Norway, and New Zealand—currently supports engagements beyond 20 nautical miles using the US Navy’s 5-inch Cargo projectile. Once integrated, the Vulcano ammunition is expected to extend the weapon’s reach to approximately 100 kilometers, enabling precision strikes against inland targets. Previously limited mainly to Leonardo’s 127/64 Lightweight gun, the Vulcano round will become available to a far broader fleet through the Mk 45 integration. Under the agreement, both companies will complete the technical integration for domestic and international customers while also exploring the integration of Diehl Defence’s IRIS-T missile family with BAE Systems’ shipboard launchers. This builds on Diehl Defence’s successful naval demonstrations of the IRIS-T SLM system aboard a German Navy Type 125 frigate.
