USN orders additional Aegis modernisation kits and VLS modules
SM-3 launch from the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Hopper. (Photo: USN)
US Naval Sea Systems Command has ordered more Aegis modernisation (AMOD) kits from Raytheon Missiles and Defense for USN Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) guided missile destroyers.
The order is worth $35.66 million and combines AMOD purchases for the USN (59%) and Japan (41% under the FMS programme), the DoD announced on 19 July.
The AMOD programme fields combat system upgrades that will enhance the anti-air warfare and ballistic missile defence capabilities of Aegis-equipped vessels.
Arleigh Burke-class ships and Constellation-class (FFG 62) frigates for the USN will also benefit from an additional 70 MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) modules and ancillary equipment, to be provided by July 2025 by Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems under a $231.4 million contract modification.
This deal, announced by the DoD on 20 July, includes FMS purchases for Australia (13%) and Spain (7%).
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the MK 41 VLS has been ordered by 14 overseas navies in addition to the USN.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
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.
-
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.