BAE Systems announces US Navy Mk 41 VLS contract
BAE Systems will advance the development of the US Navy’s Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) under a new $91.4 million contract announced on 27 June.
The Mk 41 VLS is a highly survivable system located below a naval ship’s armoured deck and is adaptable to accommodate the latest weapon types to meet new mission requirements.
The contract will see BAE Systems provide engineering and technical services in support of the design, manufacturing, installation, testing and product improvements for the Mk 41 VLS.
BAE Systems’ engineers will develop technical solutions for new canister and missile integration as well as launcher improvements to meet emerging threats to the US Navy fleet. The contract also includes work on the design of canister and launcher mechanical efforts, as well as continued work for the support of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense Program, development of the Mk 29 canister and Aegis Ashore systems.
Chris Hughes, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, said: ’This contract and our long history on this programme demonstrates our sought after expertise in developing superior products for our sailors and is a testament to the overall effectiveness of the Mk 41 VLS.’
The contract provides an overall financial ceiling and will be incrementally funded with approximately $6.3 million being funded with the initial award. The work will continue through December 2016.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration]()
Kraken’s Royal Navy USV contract signals next step in crewed-uncrewed integration
The UK Royal Navy’s rapid procurement of uncrewed platforms aligns with the force’s strategic shift towards a fleet better equipped to handle modern threats.
-
![HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment]()
HMS Anson’s milestone stay in Australia cut short during AUKUS deployment
The Astute-class submarine’s visit to Australia was the first time maintenance activity on a UK Royal Navy nuclear submarine had been carried out in the country.
-
![How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China]()
How Operation Epic Fury could reduce US readiness to face China
The offensive against Iran could impact training and maintenance cycles and accelerate the degradation of the US arsenal on top of depleting Washington’s stockpiles.
-
![UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet]()
UK Royal Navy explores modular counter-drone capabilities for future hybrid fleet
The UK MoD is scoping out systems to counter the growing threat of uncrewed aerial systems, with a focus on low-cost modularity and speed to field.
-
![US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks]()
US Pentagon claims to have severely damaged Iranian capabilities, promises to increase attacks
US military authorities claim to have sunk 20 Iranian vessels and destroyed Tehran’s Air Force, with the Pentagon making plans to send additional assets to the region.
-
![Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus]()
Greece’s newly commissioned FDI frigate deployed to Cyprus
The recent naval modernisation efforts by the Hellenic Navy have been bolstered by the acquisition of advanced Naval Group frigates, the first of which was delivered in December 2025 and is now playing a crucial role in the latest Middle East conflict.
