BAE Systems to Supply Mk 41 VLS Canisters

BAE Systems has won a $41 million modification to an existing contract for Mk 21 mod 2 (SM-3) and Mk 21 mod 3 (SM-6) canisters in support of the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

The contract includes the manufacture, production and test of Mk 21 mod 2 and Mk 21 mod 3 canisters, United States Department of Defense said in a statement Friday.

The Mk 41 VLS provides a missile launching system for CG 47- and DDG 51-class surface combatants of the Navy, as well as that of allied navies. The canisters provide rocket motor exhaust gas containment and a launch rail during missile firing. The canisters also serve as missile shipping and storage containers.

Work is expected to be complete by August 2021.