BAE Systems to provide additional VLS canisters for USN
BAE Systems on 11 June reported that it has secured a contract from the USN to provide multiple types of Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) canister. The total lifetime maximum value of the VLS contract stands at $995 million.
Brent Butcher, VP and general manager of Weapons Systems product line at BAE Systems, said: ‘These canisters are a key element of the Navy’s VLS and our experience includes 30 years of VLS production, integration and testing to support this world-class capability’.
The canisters perform a multifaceted role and are capable of acting as containers for missile shipping as well as launch tubes once loaded into the VLS. They are capable of storing Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles, Standard Missile-2, Standard Missile-3, Standard Missile-6 and the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile.
Work is expected to begin in Q1 FY2021 with deliveries continuing until 2025. Several products will also be supplied to allies of the US under the FMS programme.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea]()
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters]()
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
