Dec. 10 (UPI) -- The Navy has awarded BAE Systems Land & Armaments $41.5 million for SM-3 and SM-6 surface-to-air missile canisters for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System.
Work on the contract, announced Friday by the Department of Defense, includes manufacturing and testing of Mk 21 mod 2 and Mk 21 mod 3 canisters. The canisters help contain exhaust gas and provide a launch rail while firing the missile, and function as shipping containers as well.