The US Navy has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin to provide MK41 vertical launching systems (VLS) for its DDG 51 Class Aegis destroyers.

Under the $80.2m firm-fixed-price contract, the company will also provide launcher spares, upgrade kits and installation equipment.

The MK41 VLS is a missile launch system that is installed below deck on surface ships to respond to existing and emerging warfare threats.

The missile system provides the warfighter with the capability to fire a range of missiles including anti-air, anti-submarine and surface-to-surface.

More than 12,000 VLS missile cells have been delivered to 12 navies worldwide and the system has been installed on 186 ships in 19 different ship classes.

Naval Technology Excellence Awards - Nominations Closed

Nominations are now closed for the Naval Technology Excellence Awards. A big thanks to all the organisations that entered – your response has been outstanding, showcasing exceptional innovation, leadership, and impact.

Excellence in Action
Virtualitics has secured the Innovation and Business Expansion awards for its Integrated Readiness Optimization (IRO) suite. Discover how its explainable AI is transforming maintenance, sustainment and mission readiness, giving defence leaders faster, clearer, and more confident operational decisions.

Discover the Impact