The US Navy has contracted BAE Systems to manufacture missile canisters for its MK 41 VLS and MK 29 GMLS launch systems under a $22 million agreement that could expand to $317 million with options. Production will take place at BAE’s facility in South Dakota with engineering support from Minneapolis. This award follows a previous $738 million contract for MK41 canisters. The MK41 VLS provides protected below-deck missile storage and supports multiple weapon types across US and allied fleets. The MK29 GMLS, an above-deck rotating launcher used on select carriers, houses up to eight ESSM or Sea Sparrow missiles.
