Germany looked at adding 155mm to its new F125 frigates: http://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WNGER_61-52_MONARC.htm
They had issues with modifying the ammunition handling system to sea service. ISTR is was to do with the land 155mm system using modular charges, the autoloader needs to be able to lay these onto a tray an load – a lot harder at sea. It could probably be solved – but it all costs money.
BAe has proposed a 155mm/39 (same as Army AS90). They claim 80% commonality with the Mk8 Mod 1 mount.
Is there official interest in the naval 155mm? Would the Army be interested in adding costs to there own 155mm ammunition types to support any naval requirements? The Army has already suffered some setbacks in its 155mm upgrades.
The 155mm also loses the dual-purpose nature of the mount – but thats not a real problem in todays age. It would require additional magazine space – for new construction this is fine, but existing units would end up with less 155mm rounds.
From April 2004 the RN has the extended range HE round (HE-ER) rated at 27 vice 21 km. BAe has proposed a course-correcting GPS round – but again its money.
The foreign alternatives for the C1 and C2 are the various 127mm (Italian or US). These might end up with the Vulcano round (including an anti-shipping version!).
C3 probably should be either 57mm (with 3P ammo) or 76mm (with DART).
It comes down to money & how common (155mm) vs low cost (127mm) vs timeframe (2020 and on).
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