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 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.
Forming part of the Reconciliation Bill, the funding will support multiple efforts involving autonomous capabilities, interceptors, missiles, rockets and torpedoes.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
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