BAE Systems is further strengthening its longstanding partnership with the U.S. Navy as it continues manufacturing state-of-the-art missile launch canisters for naval surface ships. The company has been awarded a new $22 million contract to produce missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), one of the Navy’s most critical weapon deployment platforms.
With the inclusion of optional extensions, the total value of this contract could rise to $317 million, reflecting the Navy’s continued confidence in BAE Systems’ expertise and capabilities. This award follows a significant $738 million contract granted last July for Mk 41 VLS canisters, underscoring the company’s position as a global leader in missile launch canister design, production, and integration.
Under the latest agreement, BAE Systems will also continue manufacturing Mk 29 missile canisters, essential components used for storing, transporting, and launching various missile systems aboard U.S. Navy and allied ships.
These canisters play a vital role in ensuring missiles remain secure and mission-ready, enabling naval forces to respond quickly and effectively to evolving global threats. By supporting both the Mk 41 and Mk 29 systems, BAE Systems reinforces its role as a key contributor to the Navy’s operational readiness and maritime defense strategy.
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Brent Butcher, vice president of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems, highlighted the strategic importance of these components, describing missile canisters as the “connective tissue” between the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System and the wide range of missiles it deploys.
He emphasized that these systems provide Sailors with the capability needed to deter adversaries and maintain stability around the world. Butcher further noted that the continued awards are a testament to the skill and dedication of BAE Systems’ workforce in Aberdeen, whose commitment to delivering high-quality systems directly supports the mission of safeguarding global sea lanes and preserving maritime freedom.
BAE Systems brings more than three decades of experience to the development and production of missile launch canisters, having designed, produced, and supported every canister used in the Mk 41 and Mk 57 launching systems.
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Over the years, the company has supplied canisters for some of the Navy’s most important missile systems, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, Standard Missile variants, Evolved SeaSparrow Missiles (ESSM), and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets (VL-ASROC).
These capabilities are not limited to the U.S. Navy alone; BAE Systems also supports the defense needs of 10 allied nations, demonstrating the global trust placed in its precision engineering and manufacturing excellence.
In addition to its production expertise, BAE Systems continues to invest significantly in innovation, exploring new missile integration technologies and advancing the capabilities of both the Mk 41 VLS and the Adaptable Deck Launching System.
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These investments ensure that naval forces remain equipped with versatile, modern launching solutions capable of meeting future challenges. Work under the new contract will be carried out at the company’s primary missile canister production facility in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with engineering and program support provided from Minneapolis, ensuring a seamless transition from design to deployment.
