USN orders additional Aegis modernisation kits and VLS modules
SM-3 launch from the Arleigh Burke-class destroyer USS Hopper. (Photo: USN)
Arleigh Burke-class destroyers and Constellation-class frigates will benefit from combat system upgrades.
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
-
![US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit]()
US Navy begins SPY-6(V)4 radar testing ahead of first Arleigh Burke destroyer backfit
Wallops Island trials will validate the next-generation radar's combat system integration before its installation aboard USS Pinckney, the first Flight IIA destroyer to receive the SPY-6(V)4 upgrade.
-
![Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback]()
Hanwha Ocean deepens US ties and eyes Saudi submarine prospect after Canada setback
Hanwha Ocean is deepening ties with the US and eyeing a submarine opportunity in Saudi Arabia, as South Korea looks to convert its Canadian defeat into export momentum.
-
![A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel]()
A400M trial demonstrates airborne deployment of uncrewed surface vessel
Kraken Technology Group’s A400M airdrop of a K3 Scout uncrewed surface vessel points to a new way for navies to insert USVs into contested waters, bypassing ports and motherships.
-
![Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme]()
Babcock onshores 85% of Canada’s submarine supply chain as it eyes future CPSP programme
By moving most of the Royal Canadian Navy’s submarine supply chain into Canada, Babcock Canada is driving to strengthen sovereign sustainment capabilities while preparing to compete to maintain the future Canadian Patrol Submarine Project.
-
![From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia]()
From the seas to the web: the changing shape of UK defence in Southeast Asia
As his final engagement before leaving his post as the head of the British defence staff for Southeast Asia and defence adviser to Singapore, Brigadier Eddie Maskell-Pedersen spoke with Shephard about maritime security, cyber cooperation and long-term partnerships.
