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.
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