Dutch requirements emphasized an all-round weapon for destroyers, sloops, and gunboats that might face attack while operating independently in the East Indies. Shorter barrels, powered loading, and stabilized mounting designs aimed to improve anti-aircraft use while retaining surface capability. The planned Mark 9 for the 1938 gunboats and battlecruisers would have reached 80 degrees of elevation. Most other mounts reached only 45 or 55 degrees, leaving restrictions similar to those of British destroyer installations. Limited production and the absence of the planned battlecruiser installation make the design's full potential difficult to judge.
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Dutch Bofors guns for East Indies operations
The Dutch adapted Swedish 120 mm designs toward higher elevation, stabilization, and self-defense for ships operating independently in the East Indies.