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
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation]()
US Navy’s $275 billion BBGN plan hinges on shipyard transformation
The US Navy’s planned nuclear-powered warship carries a US$275 billion price tag, but the greater story lies in the industrial overhaul needed to build it, from AI-enabled design to digital twins and modular construction.
-
![Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare]()
Industry sees opportunity in Australia’s shift to networked undersea warfare
Australia’s new defence innovation strategy indicates a shift from platform-centric to network-centric undersea warfare, with Ocius and Anduril Industries pointing to fast-growing opportunities for local industry.
-
![Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs]()
Asia-Pacific emerges as the largest export market for US-made USVs
Asian customers have placed one of the largest known international purchases of US-built uncrewed surface vessels, highlighting accelerating regional demand for autonomous maritime capabilities and distributed naval operations.
-
![RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV]()
RTX confirms US Marine Corps and US Navy acquire Hadalus UUV
RTX told Shephard that the Hadalus UUV has been procured by the US Marine Corps and the Office of Naval Research for operational experimentation as the company prepares additional demonstrations with the US Navy, NATO and AUKUS partners.
-
![The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement]()
The UK joins the movement towards joint procurement
The UK will spend an estimated US$3.89 billion over the next decade in joint naval programmes, a lot of which will be in cooperation with Norway.
