USA: BAE Systems Receives Mk 41 VLS Contract

BAE Systems has received a $22.9 million contract modification adding an additional ship set for the Arleigh Burke DDG-116 and an additional set of Aegis Ashore equipment.

“We’re thrilled to continue our support for the US Navy by providing the Mk 41 VLS for the DDG-51 program,” said Mark Signorelli, vice president and general manager of BAE Systems’ Weapons Systems business. “The Mk 41 VLS provides a number of key capabilities that support a wide range of missions onboard the Navy’s major combatants.”

BAE Systems was last awarded a contract for the Mk 41 VLS mechanical components in June, 2011. The Aegis Ashore portion of this contract is in support of the administration’s Phased, Adaptive Approach for Missile Defense in Europe and includes a land-based Mk 41 VLS equipped with SM-3 missiles as part of the Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system.  Hardware procurement included in this contract modification supports the first tactical Aegis Ashore site in Europe.

Work under this contract will be performed at several BAE Systems and subcontractor facilities, including Aiken, S.C.; Farmingdale, N.Y.; Fort Totten, N.D.; Louisville, Ky.; Minneapolis, Minn.; Aberdeen, S.D.; and York, Penn. The majority of work will take place from 2013 through 2015.

BAE Systems and Lockheed Martin are teamed to produce the Mk 41 VLS for current and future naval surface combatants. As the U.S. Navy’s Mk 41 VLS mechanical design agent, BAE Systems has more than 30 years of experience in the development, production, and support of this system for naval forces throughout the world.

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Source: Navaltoday Staff, April 17, 2012; Image: baesystems