BAE Systems has unveiled the Sea Tridon 40mm naval gun series at the Euronaval 2026 defense exhibition in Paris. The system is based on the Bofors 40mm L/70 rapid-fire gun, incorporating modern digital fire control, programmable ammunition, and pre-fragmented rounds.
The series includes four configurations: the lightweight Bofors 40 Mk 4, the independent Standard Sea Tridon with integrated electro-optical fire control, the autonomous Sea Trinity CIWS with its own radar, and the modular Sea Tridon C.
The Sea Tridon C variant is designed as a containerized module. This configuration allows for rapid deployment on patrol vessels, auxiliary ships, and merchant ships without requiring extensive structural modifications to the host vessel.
The company suggests that these modular systems could be operated by naval or coast guard personnel during high-threat periods, rather than by merchant crews, to address complex international maritime regulations regarding armed commercial vessels.
The development aims to provide a cost-effective defense against drone swarms and loitering munitions, offering an alternative to expensive anti-aircraft missiles. The system evolved from a 2023 land-based adaptation of the naval gun.
