Lockheed’s MK 41 VLS for Type 26
Lockheed Martin has received a contract from BAE Systems to equip the Royal Navy's Type 26 Global Combat Ship with the MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), the company announced on 1 March.
The MK 41 VLS system is capable of launching anti-air, anti-submarine, surface-to-surface and strike-length missiles. Each Type 26 will be equipped with three eight-cell MK 41 VLS modules. The company’s initial order includes nine MK 41 VLS modules, sufficient for the first three ships of the class.
The new Type 26 Global Combat Ships are replacing the Royal Navy's Type 23 frigates. The ships will be deployed for a range of missions from high intensity warfare to humanitarian assistance, either operating independently or as part of a task group.
The first Type 26 is due to enter service with the Royal Navy in the mid-2020s.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes]()
Rolls Royce Submarines brings jobs to Glasgow for Dreadnought and AUKUS programmes
Rolls Royce opens new Scottish office but the MoD foots the bill.
-
![First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing]()
First UK autonomous XL military submarine is put through in-water testing
The BAE Systems Herne XLAUV has hit the water.
-
![US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement]()
US Senate approves additional $175 million for Coast Guard’s FY2025 procurement
Extra funds will enable the branch to manage vessel acquisition programmes better.
-
![Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen]()
Australia pushes ahead on reinstating heavy landing capability with selection of Damen
Australia has been without a heavy landing capability since the retirement of the last of eight Balikpapan Landing Craft Heavy (LCH) vessels in 2014. Work on new ships is expected to begin in 2026.
-
![UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines]()
UK and US marines train to guard nuclear deterrent submarines
The Autumn round of Tartan Eagle training just concluded in Scotland.
