BAE Systems works on MK 41 VLS design and support
The Ticonderoga-class guided-missile cruiser USS Antietam launches a Tomahawk missile from a MK 41 VLS during a September 2020 exercise. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class James Hong)
BAE Systems will support launchers and canisters on USN cruisers and destroyers.
BAE Systems has begun design agent work for the mechanical portion of the MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) under a $164 million contract from the USN.
The company announced on 19 May that it will ‘provide design and support of the system that is embedded in cruisers and destroyers and launches a wide arsenal of offensive and defensive missiles’.
The contract, awarded after a competitive tender, calls for BAE Systems to provide design, development, test, product improvement, and sustaining support for current and legacy VLS systems.
BAE Systems will also continue to design and support canisters used to store, transport, and launch the missiles from the VLS.
The MK 41 VLS can launch missiles such as the Standard Missile SM-2, SM-3, and SM-6 variants; the Tomahawk Land Attack Cruise Missile; the NATO Seasparrow and Evolved SeaSparrow; and the Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK ‘Hybrid Navy’ steps up as Norway cooperation reinforces Arctic strategy]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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]()
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.
