BAE Systems wins $22M US Navy contract for Mk 41 VLS canisters

November 26, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Defense company BAE Systems has been awarded a $22 million contract by the US Navy to produce missile canisters for the Mk 41 vertical launching system (VLS).

As disclosed, BAE will produce missile canisters for the Mk 41 VLS, with the total value potentially reaching $317 million if all options are exercised. This follows a contract award with a total value of $738 million for Mk 41 VLS missile launching canisters last July.

Under the contract, the company will also continue to manufacture Mk 29 missile canisters. These canisters are critical to the storage, shipment, and launch of missiles onboard U.S. Navy and allied ships.

“Missile canisters are the connective tissue between the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and the various missiles that provide Sailors the capability needed to deter threats around the world,” said Brent Butcher, vice president of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems.

BAE Systems has designed, developed, produced, and supported all missile canisters used in Mk 41 and Mk 57 launching systems, including canisters that support Tomahawk, standard missile variants, evolved SeaSparrow, and vertical launched anti-submarine rockets.