BAE Systems has secured a $22 million US Navy contract to produce additional missile canisters for the MK 41 Vertical Launching System and continue manufacturing MK 29 GMLS canisters. If all options are exercised, the total value could reach $317 million. Production will occur in Aberdeen, South Dakota, with support work in Minneapolis. The contract follows a $738 million MK41-related award in July 2024. The MK41 system stores and launches missiles such as SM-6, Tomahawk, and ASROC from below-deck modules used by US and allied navies. The MK29 launcher, used on ships like Nimitz-class carriers, stores eight ESSM or Sea Sparrow missiles and requires manual reloading.
