BAE Systems has received a $22 million US Navy contract to manufacture missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System, the company stated.
If exercised in full, contract options could bring the total to 317 million dollars.
The announcement follows a separate award last July valued at 738 million dollars for the same class of canisters, which the company argues demonstrates its position in this segment of naval weapons support.
The contract also extends production of Mk 29 missile canisters. BAE Systems described these as essential components for storing, shipping, and firing missiles on US and allied surface combatants.
Brent Butcher, who oversees weapon systems at the company, said in the release that missile canisters serve as “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.” He added that the continued awards reflect what he called the experience and reliability of the firm’s Aberdeen workforce.
The announcement places the new work within a longer production record. According to the company, it has spent more than three decades designing, developing, and supporting all missile canisters used in the Mk 41 and Mk 57 systems. That portfolio includes canisters for Tomahawk, multiple Standard Missile variants, Evolved SeaSparrow, and Vertical Launched Anti-Submarine Rockets used by the United States and ten allied navies.
BAE Systems said it is continuing to invest in both launcher-related manufacturing and integration work for future missile types linked to the Mk 41 system and the Adaptable Deck Launching System.
