BAE Systems wins $37m contract to develop advanced missile launch system

BAE Systems has secured a $37 million contract from the U.S. Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) to engineer the Next Generation Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Launch System (NGELS).

The project is in collaboration with the NATO SeaSparrow Program Office (NSPO) to create prototype deck launching systems that will enhance the ship self-defense system of the U.S. Navy and its allies using the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM).

NGELS will be a deck-mounted, fixed-angle launcher using BAE Systems‘ Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) concept. The system will launch ESSMs from Mk 25 missile canisters, also developed by BAE Systems.

The design allows for straightforward integration into large deck platforms. The prime focus is to field the most advanced ESSM missile, the Block 2 variant. This multi-purpose surface-to-air and surface-to-surface missile aims to defend aircraft carriers and other large deck ships against high-tech air and surface threats.

BAE Systems to engineer Next Generation SeaSparrow Missile System under new contract. Photo courtesy of BAE Systems/Business Wire.

The NGELS will utilize tested Mk 41 Vertical Launching System subsystems to provide surface-to-air and surface-to-surface defense capabilities to aircraft carriers and amphibious ships, thereby mitigating missile threats.

Brent Butcher — BAE Systems weapon systems product line vice president said: “We have a long history of providing missile integration, launching systems, and canister design to the U.S. Navy.

“NGELS leverages the expertise of our workforce to provide a ready-to-deploy system that enhances mission effectiveness and enables reliable ship defense for the U.S. Navy. We look forward to working with our customers to bring this enhanced capability to the fleet and introducing it to international users.”