BAE Systems wins $40 million US Navy canister award
BAE Systems will produce canisters for the storage, transport and launch of a wide range of missiles used by the US Navy under a new contract announced on 2 July.
The contract will see BAE Systems produce four different canisters, each of which is designed to complement a specific missile system. These include Mk 14 canisters for Tomahawk missiles, Mk 21 Mod 2 canisters for SM-3 missiles, Mk 21 Mod 3 canisters for SM-6 missiles, and Mk 25 canisters for ESSM missiles.
The US Navy will use the canisters with the Mk 41 and Mk 57 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) - below deck missile launchers capable of launching missiles at multiple naval warfare threats including anti-air, anti-submarine, ship self-defense, land attack and ballistic missile defense missions. Both these VLS are also produced by BAE Systems.
Chris Hughes, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, said: ‘BAE Systems has a long-standing canister production franchise built on delivering world-class canisters to the US Navy, helping our sailors accomplish their missions more safely and effectively. We look forward to supporting the navy and our sailors for many years to come.’
The $40 million contract has the potential for additional annual contract awards. If all options are exercised, the total value could exceed $400 million. The contract will run from 2013 through 2019 if all options are exercised.
More from Naval Warfare
-
UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy
As Russia commits billions to new warships and stealth submarines, the UK is reshaping its strategy with expanded troop deployments, shared frigate fleets and a shift towards uncrewed platforms.
-
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
RTX Raytheon targets nearly 170% RAM production increase to meet global demand
The US multinational company is currently assembling 300 Rolling Airframe Missile rounds per year, with plans to reach 800 units annually after significant investment and modernisation of its facilities.