Britain's Royal Navy is to receive support services for its medium-caliber guns from Babcock International and BAE Systems.

The "total gun support" service package comes under a $59.2 million joint contract, with an initial five-year period of performance with a five-year option.

"We are extremely proud of our heritage in the design, manufacture, and support of artillery systems and particularly our pedigree with regards to the 4.5-inch Mark8 Mod 1 Naval Gun," said Duncan Stevenson, managing director at BAE Systems Weapon Systems. "We are fully committed to supporting the UK Royal Navy, and our collaboration with Babcock is testament to this. "Through this collaboration we will deliver world-class support working together to meet the needs of the Royal Navy."

Under the award, the companies will provide support services that will increase reliability and functionality, and reduce obsolescence risk.

BAE Systems said support for the 20 guns in service will come from specialized facilities.

The five-year support contract will sustain about 40 jobs in areas of Barrow-in-Furness and Devonport.