US Navy orders more vertical launch system canisters for cruisers, destroyers

The U.S. Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded BAE Systems Land & Armaments a $40 million contract ordering more Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) canisters for its guided missile cruisers and destroyers.

The contract modification also includes orders for ally navy platforms.

Mk 41 VLS is used to launch the Standard Missile, Tomahawk, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket, and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles.

BAE Systems Land & Armaments LP, will provide canisters, reconfigurable coding plug assemblies and explosive bolts and impulse cartridge assemblies in support of Mk 41 VLS canister production requirements.

Work will be performed in Aberdeen, South Dakota, and Minneapolis, Minnesota, and is expected to be completed by June 2019.