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Vertical launching system

A vertical launching system (VLS) is a fixed, vertical missile storage and firing mechanism integrated into the decks of modern naval warships, enabling the rapid, all-aspect launch of multiple missile types without the need for trainable rails or ship maneuvering for alignment.^[1] Developed to replace older arm-launch systems, VLS provides secure, environmentally controlled below-deck storage for missiles, along with electrical interfaces for pre-launch programming via the vessel's fire control systems, thereby enhancing engagement speed and battlespace coverage for anti-air, anti-submarine, ballistic missile defense, and land-attack missions.^[1]^[2] The most prominent VLS in service is the U.S. Navy's Mark 41 VLS (Mk 41), manufactured by Lockheed Martin and achieving initial operational capability in 1986 on the Ticonderoga-class cruiser USS Bunker Hill (CG-52).^[2] Over 180 Mk 41 systems have been acquired by the U.S. Navy, with an additional 54 supplied to allied navies in 11 countries, and it is deployed on platforms including the Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers.^[2] The Mk 41 supports a diverse array of missiles, such as the Standard Missile (SM-2, SM-3, SM-6) family for air and ballistic missile defense, the Tomahawk land-attack cruise missile, the Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (VLA) for underwater threats, and the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) for close-in defense, with ongoing integration of advanced variants like the SM-6.^[2]^[1] Key advantages of VLS technology include a launch success rate exceeding 99%—demonstrated through more than 4,200 firings in combat operations such as Operation Desert Storm, Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Iraqi Freedom, and Operation Odyssey Dawn—and the ability to mix missile loads in individual cells for mission flexibility.^[2] Unlike legacy rail launchers, VLS reduces reload times, minimizes topside weight and vulnerability, and allows for 360-degree firing envelopes, significantly boosting a ship's firepower and survivability in high-threat environments.^[1] Later developments include the Mark 57 VLS (Mk 57), a larger, more modular successor designed specifically for the Zumwalt-class destroyers (DDG-1000), featuring peripheral placement along the hull for reduced magazine vulnerability and compatibility with oversized missiles up to 25 inches in diameter.^[3] The Mk 57 achieved its first live-fire test in October 2020 aboard USS Zumwalt, launching a Standard Missile-2, and supports enhanced power and cooling for future hypersonic and directed-energy integrations.^[4] Ongoing U.S. Navy efforts focus on at-sea reloading capabilities, including a successful demonstration of the Transferable Rearming Mechanism (TRAM) in October 2024 aboard USS Chosin (CG-65), and upgrades to both Mk 41 and Mk 57 systems to counter evolving threats, including ballistic missiles and unmanned systems.^[5]^[6]

Fundamentals

Definition and principles

A vertical launching system (VLS) is a modular missile launch platform designed for surface ships, submarines, or land-based installations, featuring an array of vertical cells or canisters integrated into the deck or structure to enable the vertical ejection and subsequent flight of surface-to-air or surface-to-surface missiles.^[7] These systems replace traditional angled or rail launchers by storing missiles in a ready-to-fire configuration within sealed canisters, allowing for rapid deployment without the need for mechanical alignment prior to launch.^[8] The design emphasizes commonality across missile types, with standard canisters accommodating various payloads in a grid-like module, typically arranged in groups of eight cells for efficient space utilization on naval vessels.^[2] The operational principles of a VLS revolve around the integration of storage, loading, and firing within the same vertical orientation, where missiles remain in their cells until selected for launch by the ship's fire control system. Loading occurs through deck hatches or dedicated elevators that lower canisters into position, after which cells are sealed to maintain environmental protection and readiness.^[9] Upon initiation, the launch sequence propels the missile upward using gas generators or rocket motors, with exhaust directed through integrated vents or weather shields to deflect the plume away from the platform and adjacent cells, preventing structural damage or interference.^[10] This process supports high-volume fire rates, as multiple cells can be armed and fired in rapid succession under centralized command. VLS employs either hot launch, where ignition occurs inside the cell, or cold launch, where the missile is ejected inertially before engine startup, depending on the specific system variant. Fundamentally, the vertical orientation of VLS exploits basic aerodynamic and kinematic principles to provide omnidirectional coverage, as missiles exit straight upward and acquire their trajectory via onboard guidance shortly after launch, eliminating the mechanical complexity and limited firing arcs of rotating turrets or fixed launchers.^[3] This approach reduces moving parts, enhances reliability, and allows for a modular architecture where adjacent cells can house dissimilar missiles—such as anti-air, anti-submarine, or land-attack types—without requiring platform reconfiguration or shared infrastructure adjustments. The resulting system achieves a balance of firepower density and survivability, with the grid configuration distributing launch points to minimize vulnerability from a single hit.^[11]

Advantages and disadvantages

Vertical launching systems (VLS) offer substantial operational advantages over traditional arm launchers, primarily through enhanced flexibility and efficiency in missile deployment. A core benefit is the capacity to store and launch diverse missile types—such as anti-air warfare (AAW), anti-surface warfare (ASUW), and anti-submarine warfare (ASW) munitions—within identical cells, enabling commanders to mix loadouts for specific missions and adjust configurations during port calls without structural alterations. This multi-role capability supports versatile naval operations, from air defense to strike missions, in a single system.^[12]^[9] VLS provides omnidirectional firing with full 360-degree azimuth coverage, eliminating the need for ship turns to align arm launchers and thereby accelerating engagements against threats from any bearing. The below-deck, modular cell design occupies less topside space than arm systems, freeing deck area for sensors or other equipment while improving stability. Additionally, compartmentalized cells enhance survivability by isolating potential failures or battle damage, such as a missile ignition in one cell, to prevent chain reactions across the magazine. These systems also reduce maintenance demands, as missiles remain in constant ready status without the mechanical cycling required by arm launchers.^[13]^[3]^[8] However, VLS presents significant drawbacks in cost, logistics, and vulnerability. The advanced engineering and integration requirements result in high upfront acquisition and lifecycle costs, posing challenges for budget-constrained fleets seeking widespread adoption. Traditionally, VLS systems could not be reloaded at sea due to the fixed, below-deck canisters; however, as of 2025, the U.S. Navy has developed and demonstrated at-sea reloading capabilities using specialized equipment.^[14] Hot-launch configurations risk deck scorching from exhaust plumes and catastrophic failures during "restrained firings," where a missile ignites but fails to clear the cell, potentially damaging adjacent structure. Moreover, compatibility is restricted to missiles engineered for vertical storage, excluding certain angled or rail-specific designs.^[15]^[3] Tactically, VLS excels in dynamic threat environments by supporting rapid salvo launches, where multiple missiles can be fired in sequence to overwhelm defenses through saturation tactics, a capability less feasible with slower arm systems. This design yields superior reaction times compared to twin-arm launchers like the Mk 26, enabling quicker responses to salvos or pop-up threats. Overall, while VLS boosts firepower projection and readiness, its logistical constraints demand careful planning for sustained naval campaigns.^[9]^[16]

Development History

Origins in the Cold War era

The development of vertical launching systems (VLS) for naval applications emerged during the Cold War as a response to escalating threats from Soviet air and missile forces, with initial concepts focusing on rapid missile deployment for surface-to-air defense. In the Soviet Union, experiments with vertical launch configurations for surface-to-air missiles (SAMs) began as early as the late 1950s and continued into the 1960s, driven by the need for quicker reaction times in air defense systems amid the arms race. Meanwhile, the US Navy expressed interest in vertical launch technologies during the 1960s, particularly during the Vietnam War era, where the demand for fast anti-aircraft responses against low-flying threats highlighted the limitations of traditional rail and arm launchers. These early ideas laid the groundwork for integrating VLS into shipboard platforms to enable all-aspect missile firing without repositioning.^[17] Key advancements accelerated in the 1970s through the US Navy's Aegis Combat System program, which sought to replace older arm launchers like the Mk 10 and Mk 26 with a more versatile VLS to support ballistic missile defense (BMD) and multi-mission capabilities against Soviet naval aviation and submarine-launched threats. The Aegis initiative, originating in the late 1960s but maturing in the 1970s, prioritized VLS for its ability to store and launch missiles vertically from below-deck canisters, reducing topside clutter and improving survivability. Prototype testing of the Mk 41 VLS occurred in the early 1980s, with initial tests in 1983, addressing integration challenges with Aegis radar and fire control systems, with initial deliveries beginning in 1985. The Cold War arms race, including Soviet advancements in anti-ship missiles, underscored the need for such systems to maintain naval superiority in high-threat environments.^[18]^[19]^[20] The first operational deployment of the Mk 41 VLS came in 1986 aboard USS Bunker Hill (CG-52), the sixth Ticonderoga-class cruiser, marking the transition from experimental to fleet-wide use and enabling hot launch operations for Standard missiles in Aegis-equipped vessels. Parallel efforts within NATO saw the United Kingdom and France initiating VLS research in the early 1990s to counter similar Soviet threats, laying the foundation for collaborative systems like the Principal Anti-Air Missile System (PAAMS). Technical hurdles, such as managing rocket exhaust plumes to prevent damage to the ship or adjacent cells, were overcome through innovative designs including common exhaust plenums and deflector mechanisms that directed gases away from the deck. These solutions were critical for the hot launch method, which became predominant in early VLS implementations, ensuring reliable performance in the intense operational tempo of Cold War naval confrontations.^[2]^[21]^[22]

Modern evolution and proliferation

Following the end of the Cold War, vertical launching systems (VLS) evolved to emphasize multi-role capabilities, particularly for addressing emerging regional threats such as hypersonic weapons and ballistic missile proliferation. In the 1990s, designs shifted toward modular architectures that supported a broader spectrum of munitions, enabling defenses against advanced aerial threats while maintaining offensive strike options.^[23]^[24] The United States upgraded its Mk 41 VLS to integrate the Tomahawk Block IV missile, introduced in the early 2000s, which featured enhanced network-centric capabilities for loitering and retargeting during flight.^[25]^[26] Proliferation of VLS technology accelerated through exports and independent developments, strengthening allied navies and rival capabilities. The U.S. exported Mk 41 systems and compatible munitions to partners including Japan and South Korea, integrating them into Aegis-equipped destroyers for enhanced interoperability in regional security operations.^[27]^[28] In Asia, China independently advanced its VLS infrastructure with the HHQ-9 system, entering service in 2004 aboard Type 052C destroyers using sextuple VLS launchers derived from indigenous HQ-9 designs.^[29] Technological evolutions in the 2000s focused on improving operational stealth and connectivity. A shift toward cold-launch mechanisms gained traction, where missiles are ejected from canisters using compressed gas before igniting externally, reducing infrared signatures and blast damage to the launching platform for stealthier operations in contested environments.^[30] Concurrently, integration with networked warfare systems like the Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) enabled real-time sensor data sharing across platforms, allowing coordinated VLS firings from Mk 41 cells without local target acquisition.^[31]^[32] In the 2010s, VLS adoption extended to smaller vessels, including upgrades to U.S. Littoral Combat Ships (LCS) for modular strike packages, though initial designs prioritized over-the-horizon missiles over full VLS integration. By the 2020s, emphasis grew on hybrid systems combining VLS with directed-energy weapons, such as high-energy lasers on Aegis platforms, to provide scalable defenses against drone swarms and hypersonic threats. In 2024, the U.S. Navy achieved a milestone with the first at-sea reloading of Mk 41 VLS cells, improving reload capabilities in contested environments.^[33] As of early 2025, global VLS inventories across major navies exceed 13,000 cells, driven by U.S. (approximately 9,000 cells) and Chinese (over 4,300 cells) expansions.^[13]^[34]^[35]

Launch Technologies

Hot launch

In a hot launch mechanism for vertical launching systems (VLS), the missile's rocket motor ignites directly within the launch cell, producing immediate thrust that propels the missile upward and out of the canister vertically. This process eliminates the need for a separate ejection mechanism, as the rocket's propulsion provides the necessary force for departure, enabling rapid response times. The resulting exhaust gases, reaching temperatures exceeding 2,000 °F (1,100 °C), are captured at the base of the cell and routed through a shared plenum shared among multiple cells in the module.^[3]^[36] Engineering considerations for hot launch focus on managing the intense heat and pressure to protect the launch module, ship structure, and adjacent missiles. Exhaust management relies on a common plenum system with components such as an aft closure plate to seal the cell bottom, a perforated grid to direct gases horizontally into the plenum, and a raised sill to prevent backflow, ultimately venting the plume upward through an uptake trunk to the atmosphere above the deck. High-temperature materials, including titanium alloys and ablative coatings, line the cell interiors to withstand thermal loads and erosion from the supersonic exhaust plume, which can generate significant overpressures. A water deluge system sprays fresh water into the cells during loading and maintenance to cool surfaces and mitigate risks of premature ignition or residual heat damage. Plume effects, including acoustic shock waves and particulate erosion, are controlled by module design features like symmetric gas flow paths that minimize intrusion into neighboring cells, thereby reducing potential structural stress on the ship.^[22]^[37]^[3] Hot launch is particularly suited to missiles requiring high initial thrust for quick acceleration, such as anti-air warfare systems like the RIM-66 Standard Missile-2 (SM-2) and RIM-174 Standard Missile-6 (SM-6), as well as cruise missiles like the BGM-109 Tomahawk, which benefit from immediate motor burn for trajectory control post-ejection. It became the standard configuration in early iterations of the U.S. Navy's Mk 41 VLS, introduced in the 1980s on Ticonderoga-class cruisers and Arleigh Burke-class destroyers, where it supports multi-mission operations including surface and subsurface threats. This method offers superior engagement speed compared to alternatives, allowing near-instantaneous missile release without pre-ejection gas generation.^[3]^[25] Key limitations of hot launch, such as blast overpressure and thermal exposure to the deck and nearby cells, are addressed through strategic cell spacing—typically 0.6 meters center-to-center in Mk 41 modules—and reinforced uptake venting to dissipate energy away from the hull. These measures ensure operational reliability in salvo launches, with the system's design validated through extensive naval testing to handle sequential firings without compromising adjacent canisters. Unlike cold launch methods that prioritize reduced infrared signatures, hot launch emphasizes simplicity and velocity for high-threat environments.^[22]^[3]

Cold launch

In cold launch vertical launching systems, the missile is ejected from its canister using compressed inert gas, such as nitrogen or air, sourced from high-pressure reservoirs integrated into the pneumatic ejection mechanism. This process propels the missile to a height of approximately 20 to 50 meters above the deck without igniting the rocket motor inside the cell, thereby avoiding any combustion within the confined launch environment. Once airborne and clear of the platform, the missile's solid rocket motor ignites to achieve full propulsion, ensuring a controlled ascent and initial trajectory.^[38]^[39] The engineering of cold launch systems relies on robust pneumatic components, including gas generators or pressurized reservoirs that provide the necessary ejection force, typically without producing hot exhaust. During the ejection phase, the missile maintains stability through deployable fins or control surfaces that counteract aerodynamic disturbances as it rises vertically. These systems are employed in platforms like the French Sylver vertical launching system, where the design prioritizes compatibility with diverse missile types while minimizing structural wear.^[3]^[39] Cold launch is particularly suited for submarines and stealth-oriented surface ships, such as the U.S. Navy's Virginia-class attack submarines, due to the constrained internal spaces and the need to preserve acoustic and thermal discretion during operations. It also facilitates the use of smaller cell sizes, allowing integration of anti-submarine warfare (ASW) torpedoes or compact munitions alongside missiles. In these applications, the system enables submerged or low-signature launches, enhancing survivability in high-threat environments.^[40]^[3] Key advantages include significantly reduced thermal stress on the launcher structure, as no rocket exhaust contacts the cell interior, thereby extending service life and simplifying maintenance compared to hot launch methods. The absence of in-cell ignition also lowers the infrared signature, aiding stealth by minimizing detectable heat plumes during ejection. Additionally, cold launch offers higher reliability in enclosed or sensitive platforms, such as submarine hulls, by mitigating risks of fire or overpressure in confined areas.^[39]^[3]

Advanced variants

Advanced variants of vertical launching systems (VLS) build on foundational hot and cold methods by introducing designs that enhance modularity, compatibility across missile types, and adaptability to emerging threats. These innovations prioritize flexibility in launch profiles while minimizing structural impacts on host platforms, such as reduced backblast or improved integration with diverse payloads. A prominent example is the concentric canister launch (CCL) system, which employs an inner canister to house the missile and an outer canister for pressurized gas or propellant to facilitate ejection. This configuration enables seamless switching between hot and cold launch modes within the same VLS cells, accommodating both boost-phase ignition and gas-ejection requirements without dedicated infrastructure changes. China's Type 052D destroyer utilizes CCL in its universal VLS, allowing the platform to fire a mix of anti-air, anti-ship, and land-attack missiles with either method, thereby increasing tactical versatility.^[41]^[42] The CCL approach, originally pioneered by the U.S. Navy for the Mk 41 VLS in the 1990s, has been refined in modern iterations to support higher cell densities and reduced maintenance.^[43] Hybrid launch systems further advance this flexibility by merging hot and cold principles to provide adjustable thrust during initial ejection and boost phases. In these setups, a cold-launch mechanism propels the missile clear of the canister using external gas, followed by in-flight ignition of the solid rocket motor, which mitigates exhaust damage to the VLS while preserving full propulsion efficiency. Such hybrids are particularly suited for variable-threat environments requiring rapid reconfiguration. The Lockheed Martin Extensible Launching System (ExLS), developed for the U.S. Navy, exemplifies this by retrofitting existing hot-launch VLS cells—such as the Mk 41—for cold-launch compatibility, enabling the deployment of torpedoes, unmanned underwater vehicles, or next-generation missiles without full system overhauls.^[3]^[30] In the 2020s, U.S. efforts have focused on next-generation launcher concepts to integrate hypersonic and modular payloads into VLS architectures, emphasizing scalability for distributed lethality. The Navy's modular missile program, initiated post-2020, develops interchangeable strike weapons that leverage VLS cells for rapid loading and firing of hypersonic glide vehicles, addressing gaps in long-range precision fires.^[44] Similarly, the U.S. Army's adoption of Mk 41-derived launchers in ground-based systems demonstrates this evolution, optimizing for multi-domain operations with reduced logistics footprints.^[45] These variants collectively expand VLS utility beyond traditional naval roles, supporting hybrid warfare scenarios.

System Components

Canister and cell architecture

The vertical launching system (VLS) employs a modular cell-based architecture, where individual cylindrical cells house missile canisters in a vertical orientation for rapid deployment. Each cell typically measures 21 inches (0.53 meters) in diameter to accommodate standard missile diameters, with depths varying by configuration to support different payload sizes.^[46] VLS modules are categorized by cell length: strike-length cells, approximately 7.6 meters deep, accommodate larger missiles such as the Tomahawk or Standard Missile variants for extended-range strikes; tactical-length cells, around 6.7 meters deep, suit shorter-range interceptors like the Evolved SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM). These dimensions ensure compatibility across missile families while optimizing space on naval platforms.^[47] Canisters within cells are constructed from corrosion-resistant materials, primarily high-strength steel with protective coatings or composite reinforcements to withstand marine environments, including saltwater exposure and mechanical stresses. Internal surfaces feature ablative liners, such as polymer-based coatings, that erode sacrificially during hot launches to manage exhaust heat and gases, preserving structural integrity over multiple firings. Weatherproof hatches, typically made of lightweight alloys with seals, cover each cell to prevent environmental ingress like moisture or debris.^[48]^[49]^[9] Common configurations organize cells into 8-cell modules, as seen in the Mk 41 VLS, where four cells form a square for efficient deck mounting and shared support structures. Quad-packing allows four smaller missiles, such as ESSMs, within a single tactical-length cell using specialized canisters like the Mk 25, effectively quadrupling capacity for point-defense scenarios without altering module footprint. Systems scale modularly, from single 8-cell units to arrays of up to 122 cells on larger vessels, enabling flexible loadouts.^[50]^[8] Modularity is achieved through bolt-on module designs, where self-contained 8-cell units connect via standardized interfaces for straightforward installation, removal, and upgrades during refits. Watertight seals and compartmentalization enhance underwater survivability, mitigating flood risks from battle damage by isolating compromised cells. This architecture supports both hot and cold launch technologies by providing exhaust venting paths while maintaining overall system reliability.^[46]^[51]^[3]

Integration with ship systems

The integration of vertical launching systems (VLS) with ship systems primarily occurs through interfaces that enable seamless coordination between the launcher, combat management, and support infrastructure. In platforms like U.S. Navy Aegis-equipped vessels, the VLS connects to the Aegis Weapon System for fire control, where the AN/SPY-1 radar provides target detection and illumination, feeding data to the Mk 99 director for precise guidance and automated launch sequencing.^[52]^[53] This linkage allows for rapid response, with the Mk 99 handling illumination for semi-active homing missiles and coordinating salvo fires across multiple cells.^[54] Power integration draws from the ship's electrical grid to support VLS operations, typically requiring 440 VAC, 3-phase, 60 Hz power for a single module to drive valves, ignition systems, and control electronics.^[55] Cooling systems are equally critical, incorporating ship's chilled water or liquid cooling loops for electronics in densely packed modules, alongside integral water deluge mechanisms that connect to canisters for post-launch thermal management to prevent overheating.^[9] These provisions ensure reliable performance in high-heat environments, with requirements such as 17,000 BTU/hour cooling capacity per module in compatible designs.^[55] Data links facilitate real-time monitoring of missile status, with VLS electronics communicating continuously with the ship's weapon control system to report inventory, readiness, and fault conditions during initial alignment and ongoing operations.^[9] Compatibility with tactical data networks like Link 16 extends this integration, allowing VLS status and launch data to be shared across networked assets for cooperative engagements in joint operations.^[56]^[57] Maintenance features emphasize built-in diagnostics, including status monitoring ports that enable crew self-assessment and grooming without external tools, reducing downtime through onboard fault isolation.^[58] In advanced designs such as the Zumwalt-class destroyers' Mk 57 VLS, provisions for remote reload arms support at-sea replenishment, integrating with crane systems to insert canisters vertically into modular cells while minimizing exposure.^[59]^[14]

Applications

Naval vessels

Vertical launching systems (VLS) are integral to modern naval warships, enabling rapid deployment of missiles for diverse missions while optimizing deck space and survivability. On larger surface combatants like destroyers and cruisers, VLS arrays typically feature 90 or more cells to support multi-mission capabilities, including anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and land attack. For instance, the U.S. Navy's Arleigh Burke-class destroyers employ the Mk 41 VLS with 96 cells, allowing integration of missiles such as the Standard Missile family for area air defense, Tomahawk for strike warfare, and Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rockets (VLA) for underwater threats.^[60]^[3] Smaller vessels, such as frigates and corvettes, utilize more compact VLS configurations with 8 to 32 cells, prioritizing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-air warfare (AAW) in littoral or escort roles. The Franco-Italian FREMM-class frigates, for example, incorporate the Sylver A50 VLS with 16 cells (two 8-cell modules) dedicated to MBDA Aster 15/30 surface-to-air missiles for point and area defense.^[61] These systems enhance tactical flexibility by accommodating a mix of shorter-range effectors without compromising the ship's reduced displacement and crew size. Submarines represent a specialized adaptation of VLS technology, where vertical tubes originally designed for submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs) are repurposed for cruise missile strikes. The U.S. Navy's Ohio-class guided-missile submarines (SSGNs), converted from SSBNs, feature 22 large vertical payload tubes fitted with multiple-all-up-round canisters (MACs) that enable up to 154 Tomahawk land-attack missiles, providing covert, long-range strike options from submerged positions.^[62] In tactical applications, VLS on naval vessels primarily supports area air defense against aircraft and missiles, as well as strike warfare for precision targeting of land or sea assets, with the system's modular design allowing rapid reconfiguration for emerging threats. By 2025, VLS evolution includes preparations for hypersonic missile integration, such as the Conventional Prompt Strike program, planned for integration and testing aboard Zumwalt-class destroyers (as of November 2025), to extend strike ranges beyond 1,000 nautical miles and counter advanced adversaries.^[5]^[63]

Land-based and aerial platforms

Vertical launching systems (VLS) adapted for land-based platforms provide mobile missile strike and defense capabilities, particularly for coastal defense and expeditionary operations where rapid repositioning is essential. The U.S. Army's Typhon system, also known as the Mid-Range Capability, uses trailer-mounted Mk 70 containerized VLS units to launch Standard Missile-6 (SM-6) interceptors and Tomahawk cruise missiles from ground locations, as demonstrated in exercises targeting maritime threats.^[64] Similarly, the U.S. Marine Corps developed an unmanned Joint Light Tactical Vehicle (JLTV)-based launcher integrating VLS for Tomahawk missiles, enabling distributed, mobile fires in support of naval campaigns until its development was terminated in mid-2025 due to integration challenges, though the U.S. Army plans to resurrect the concept for a live-fire test in 2026.^[65]^[66]^[67] Israel's Iron Dome system exemplifies land-based VLS mobility through truck-towed launchers, each containing up to 20 vertical cells for Tamir interceptors, allowing quick deployment and interception of short-range rockets with high success rates in dynamic battlefield conditions.^[68] These ground adaptations prioritize transportability, often using modular 8-cell units that can be mounted on standard trucks for efficient road movement and setup without specialized infrastructure.^[25] Aerial integrations of VLS remain rare and conceptual, emphasizing lightweight palletized or modular designs for deployment from transport aircraft to enable rapid, air-mobile missile strikes in remote areas. Related palletized launch programs, such as the U.S. Air Force's Rapid Dragon, utilize airdroppable pallets loaded with cruise missiles, such as the AGM-158 JASSM-ER, deployed from C-130 or C-17 Id="citation_id">20 aircraft via standard cargo procedures, transforming cargo planes into temporary standoff launch platforms for expeditionary warfare.^[69] Emerging mini-VLS concepts extend this to unmanned aerial vehicles, incorporating compact, composite-material launchers to deploy small precision-guided munitions or interceptors, enhancing swarm-based air-mobile operations.^[70] Overall, land-based and aerial VLS platforms support expeditionary roles by delivering flexible, transportable firepower for strikes and defense, with modular designs facilitating integration across diverse vehicles and aircraft.^[8]

Notable Systems

NATO and allied systems

The Mark 41 Vertical Launching System (Mk 41 VLS) serves as the cornerstone of missile launch capabilities for the United States Navy and numerous NATO allies and partners, enabling rapid deployment of multi-mission missiles from surface combatants. Developed jointly by Lockheed Martin and BAE Systems, it utilizes modular 8-cell units that can be configured in arrangements from 8 to 122 cells per installation, with strike-length variants accommodating missiles up to 21 inches in diameter and 236 inches long. The system supports hot launch operations across anti-air warfare, anti-submarine warfare, ballistic missile defense, and land-attack missions, firing weapons such as the RIM-162 ESSM (quad-packed in cells), RIM-66/67/161/174 Standard Missiles, RGM-109 Tomahawk, and RUM-139 ASROC. Over 4,200 missiles have been launched with a success rate exceeding 99%. As of 2025, it is deployed on platforms including 22 Ticonderoga-class cruisers (each with 122 cells) and over 75 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers (90 or 96 cells each). Exports to 11 allied nations include installations on over 20 ship classes, with more than 11,000 cells delivered worldwide.^[2]^[8]^[71] Variants of the Mk 41 span from Mod 0 (baseline tactical length) to Mod 16 (enhanced strike length for ballistic missile defense), with ongoing upgrades improving exhaust management and integration for future effectors like the SM-6 Block IB. Adopted by NATO members including Germany (Sachsen-class frigates with 32 cells), the Netherlands (De Zeven Provinciën-class with 40 cells), Norway (Fridtjof Nansen-class with 32 cells), and Spain (Álvaro de Bazán-class with 48 cells), as well as partners such as Australia (Hobart-class destroyers with 48 cells), Japan (Atago-class destroyers with 96 Mk 41 cells configured as Kōkūkan-sōsa modules), South Korea (Sejong the Great-class with 128 cells), and New Zealand (Anzac-class upgrades with 32 cells), the system has seen more than 11,000 cells delivered or on order across 19 ship classes in these fleets as of the early 2020s, with ongoing procurements continuing into 2025. The United Kingdom is integrating Mk 41 on its forthcoming Type 26 frigates (up to 48 cells) to standardize with allied operations, marking a shift from Sylver on its Type 45 destroyers. Germany's installations often pair Mk 41 with RIM-116 RAM launchers for layered defense on platforms like the Brandenburg-class (16 cells). As of 2025, the UK has progressed integration of Mk 41 on Type 26 frigates (48 cells each), France has doubled Aster capacity on FDI frigates to 32 Sylver cells per ship, and Japan has commissioned Mogami-class frigates with 32 Mk 41 cells. Collectively, NATO and allied Mk 41 deployments account for thousands of cells, enhancing interoperability in joint task forces.^[2]^[72]^[73]^[74] The Sylver Vertical Launching System, produced by Naval Group, provides a complementary cold-launch alternative favored by several European NATO nations for its compatibility with Aster family missiles and compact design. Available in A43 (for 4.3-meter missiles), A50 (5-meter), and A70 (7-meter) variants, it features 8-cell modules with 22-inch diameter canisters, each module covering 6 square meters on deck and supporting up to 32 cells per ship in multi-module arrays. The cold-launch mechanism uses pressurized gas to eject the missile before ignition, reducing thermal stress on the launcher. Deployed on French Navy Horizon-class destroyers (48 A50 cells) and FREMM frigates (16-32 A50/A70 cells for Aster 15/30 and MdCN cruise missiles), Italian Navy equivalents (up to 48 cells), and UK Royal Navy Type 45 destroyers (48 A50 cells for Sea Viper/Aster 30), Sylver has also been exported to allies like Singapore (Formidable-class frigates with 32 A50 cells). More than 1,000 Sylver cells are in service or under contract, primarily enabling principal anti-air warfare in multinational exercises.^[61]^[75] Across NATO and partner navies, these systems—totaling more than 12,000 Mk 41 cells plus over 1,000 Sylver cells as of 2025—underscore a focus on modular, interoperable architectures, with the U.S., UK, France, Germany, Japan, Australia, and South Korea operating the majority on over 150 warships. This distribution supports collective defense, with ongoing procurements like Japan's Mogami-class (Mk 41) and French FDI frigates (Sylver A50) extending capabilities into the 2030s.^[2]^[76]^[77]

Systems in other nations

Russia has developed the UKSK (3S14) vertical launching system, a universal hot/cold launch platform designed to accommodate a range of missiles including the Kalibr family of cruise missiles and the Oniks (Yakhont) anti-ship missile. This system features 16 to 80 cells depending on the platform, with Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates having 16-32 cells and upgraded Kirov-class battlecruisers equipped with 80 cells, and supports integration with hypersonic variants like the Zircon.^[78]^[79]^[80] It has been installed on Admiral Gorshkov-class frigates and upgraded Kirov-class battlecruisers, enhancing Russia's blue-water capabilities in contested environments.^[78] China's universal vertical launching systems (UVLS), featured on Type 052D Luyang III-class destroyers with 64 cells and Type 055 Renhai-class destroyers with up to 112 cells, employ a concentric canister design that enables both hot and cold launches for diverse payloads such as the YJ-18 anti-ship missile and HHQ-9 surface-to-air missile.^[41]^[81]^[82] These systems allow for multi-role operations in anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) strategies. The scalability of these VLS contributes to the People's Liberation Army Navy's rapid expansion, with over 4,300 cells across surface combatants as of 2025.^[13] India's vertical launching systems integrate with advanced sensors like the MF-STAR active electronically scanned array radar on the Kolkata-class (Project 15A) destroyers, which employ a 16-cell universal vertical launcher module (UVLM) for BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.^[83] This indigenous design supports rapid salvo fires and has been extended to follow-on Visakhapatnam-class (Project 15B) destroyers.^[84] Iran has prototyped vertical launching systems on its Mowj-class (Moudge) frigates, equipping vessels like the Jamaran with 12-cell VLS for SS-N-27 (Oniks derivative) anti-ship missiles to bolster coastal defense and power projection.^[85] Recent upgrades, such as on the Dena destroyer, incorporate VLS for surface-to-air missiles, marking progress in indigenous multi-role capabilities.^[86] Brazil's emerging vertical launching systems are integrated into the Tamandaré-class frigates, featuring a 12-cell configuration for MBDA Sea Ceptor surface-to-air missiles to enhance air defense in littoral operations. These non-NATO systems emphasize A2/AD doctrines, with proliferation through exports such as Russian UKSK-derived technology to India's Talwar-class frigates, which include 8-cell VLS for Klub missiles.^[87] By 2025, non-Western navies collectively operate approximately 5,000 VLS cells, underscoring strategic diversification beyond alliance frameworks.^[34]

References

[1]
Launchers - Naval Sea Systems Command
The MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) is a fixed, vertical, multi-missile storage and firing system that allows Navy vessels to significantly increase their ...
[2]
MK 41 - VLS > United States Navy > Display-FactFiles
Sep 20, 2021 · MK 41 VLS is capable of launching multiple Standard Missile variants, Tomahawk, Vertical Launch Anti-Submarine Rocket (ASROC) and Evolved SEA ...Missing: history | Show results with:history
[3]
A Promising Future for US Navy: Vertical Launching Systems - DSIAC
Nov 2, 2019 · Designated as the Mk 57 VLS, the launching system is configured around the periphery of the ship instead of in forward and aft centralized ...
[4]
USS Zumwalt conducts first test of MK 57 Vertical Launching System
Oct 20, 2020 · The USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), a guided missile destroyer, has conducted the first live fire test of the MK 57 Vertical Launching System.
[5]
NSWCDD Engineers Expand to Impact Navy Vertical Launch ...
Apr 23, 2021 · “As the Vertical Launch System grows into other platforms, it ... MK 41 and MK 57 VLS for shipboard test events and tactical operations.
[6]
Chapter 17 Launching Systems
The purpose of a launching system is to place a weapon into a flight path as rapidly as the situation demands. Launching must occur at the optimum moment so ...
[7]
Vertical Launching System VLS Mk 41 - BAE Systems
The VLS Mk 41 capability to simultaneously prepare two missiles in each 8-cell launcher module allows for fast reaction to multiple threats with ...Missing: principles | Show results with:principles
[8]
[PDF] VLS (Vertical Launching System). A Challenge Met, An Old Rule Kept
and firing rate required consolidating the normal missile launch "rail" into the missile storage condition, giving the ability to launch all missiles from.Missing: definition | Show results with:definition
[9]
US8113101B1 - Method for launching a missile - Google Patents
A method for launching a missile having a motor from a launch tube comprising the steps of positioning an erectable deflector upwind of each launch tube; ...Missing: principles | Show results with:principles
[10]
[PDF] NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL THESIS - DTIC
The introduction of the Zumwalt Guided Missile Destroyer (DDG 1000), shown in Figure 4, brought with it a new vertical launching system known as the MK 57.
[11]
[PDF] MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Proudly Serving Navies the ...
MK 41 VLS is the only launching system that can simultaneously accom- modate the weapon control system and the missiles of every warfighting mission area—anti- ...
[12]
Closing the gap: China homes in on US Navy VLS advantage
Dec 20, 2024 · Advantages include a reduced maintenance burden compared to previous systems, the ability to keep all missiles in immediate readiness, and – ...<|separator|>
[13]
[PDF] GAO-24-106831, Weapon Systems Annual Assessment: DOD Is Not ...
Jun 17, 2024 · Cost and schedule performance for DOD's costliest weapon programs. Combined total estimates decreased slightly by $1.7 billion in the past year ...
[14]
[PDF] ssues Identified In 21 Recently Published Major Weapon System ...
MK-26. I.aunchers with. a n,ew vertical launcher. This will provide faster reaction time and aILso allow more missiles to be stored onboard. The Navy plans to ...<|separator|>
[15]
VLS timeline | Secret Projects Forum
Jul 1, 2020 · Certainly vertical launch for tactical missiles was being researched in the 1960s, but practicality is a different matter. It's likely that ...Missing: Cold War
[16]
U.S. Navy Missile Defense: Aegis Weapon System, Missiles, and ...
May 14, 2013 · Aegis has its origins in the Cold War struggles against the Soviet Union, when that nation's naval, air, and missile forces called into question ...Missing: experiments | Show results with:experiments
[17]
The Ticonderoga Story: Aegis Works - May 1985 Vol. 111/5/987
... (VLS) missile launchers in place of the Mark 26 launching systems in CG-52 and subsequent ships of the class. The latter change will have the following ...
[18]
Lockheed Martin Successfully Demonstrates Open Architecture for ...
Aug 15, 2007 · Since the initial delivery of MK 41 VLS in 1985, Lockheed Martin has developed a series of system upgrades that have added new missile launching ...
[19]
https://www.usni.org/magazines/proceedings/1985/may/ticonderoga-story-aegis-works
[20]
US8584569B1 - Plume exhaust management for VLS
Nov 19, 2013 · A system is provided for directing a flow of gas, including a launching mechanism, a plenum, a layer of meltable material, and an open-ended uptake component.Missing: Cold War
[21]
The Evolution and Impact of Missile Defense Systems
Jun 11, 2025 · The post-Cold War era saw a shift in focus from superpower rivalry to regional threats. The proliferation of missile technology among nations ...Missing: Vertical 1990s
[22]
[PDF] A Double-Edged Sword: Ballistic-Missile Defense and U.S. Alliances
NATO allies The second set considers BMD since the end of the Cold War and ... the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS), both on BMD-capable ships and at Aegis.<|separator|>
[23]
[PDF] MK41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM - Lockheed Martin
The missiles currently integrated with MK 41 VLS include Evolved. Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM), Tomahawk Cruise Missile,. Standard Missile 2, Standard Missile 3, ...
[24]
UGM BGM RGM-109 Tomahawk land attack cruise missile TLAM
Upgrades: A major improvement to the Tomahawk is network-centric warfare-capabilities, using data from multiple sensors (aircraft, UAVs, satellites, foot ...<|separator|>
[25]
Export Interest for Lockheed Martin Expeditionary Launchers Grows
Apr 8, 2025 · Lockheed Martin is working towards meeting foreign interest for road-mobile Mark 41 VLS systems. To make export of the various systems more likely,
[26]
Japan and South Korea stocking up on US-made missiles
Nov 23, 2023 · The US State Department has approved a swathe of requests for advanced air- and ship-launched missiles for Japan and South Korea under the ...Missing: export | Show results with:export
[27]
HHQ-9 - Weaponsystems.net
The HHQ-9 is a naval SAM system of Chinese origin. The HHQ-9 is the first indigenous Chinese long range naval SAM system.
[28]
Cold Launch vs. Hot Launch - Naval Post
Jan 29, 2020 · A vertical launch system can be either hot launch, where the missile ignites in the cell, or cold launch, where the missile is expelled by gas ...
[29]
[PDF] COMBAT SYSTEMS ENGINEERING & INTEGRATION
attack missiles include: • Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). • Mk 57 Advanced VLS. Weapon system alternatives are integrated with combat control systems ...<|control11|><|separator|>
[30]
[PDF] The Cooperative Engagement Capability* - Johns Hopkins APL
CEC allows combat systems to share sensor data, enabling them to operate as one, creating a common picture and enabling engagement of targets not seen locally.Missing: VLS | Show results with:VLS
[31]
[PDF] Littoral Combat Ship - CSBA
48 VLS equipped with either Harpoon anti-ship missiles or longer range air ... sensors, the ship's aviation assets and by laying deployable surface and bottom.
[32]
Future Naval Capabilities will be Hungry for Power
Beginning in the mid-2020s, the class is being modified with new Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells capable of handling the size and stresses of CPS. Like ...
[33]
MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) - GlobalSecurity.org
Jul 7, 2011 · The Vertical Launching System (VLS) Mk 41 is a canister launching system which provides a rapid-fire launch capability against hostile threats.
[34]
[PDF] High temperature properties of alloys being considered ... - OSTI.GOV
The Office of Naval Research (ONR) has undertaken a program to develop a new. Vertical Launching System (VLS) for future generation ships, such as the DD-21 ...
[35]
Naval Gazing Main/VLS
Sep 24, 2023 · A modern VLS can carry multiple types of missiles, giving a vital multi-role capability and allowing a ship to change missions with a quick port visit.
[36]
Sensitivity Analysis and Flight Tests Results for a Vertical Cold ...
The purpose of flight trials was to obtain the flight parameters (e.g., angular rates and the linear accelerations) which are necessary for model validation.Missing: vls success<|separator|>
[37]
Hypersonic Weapons on Track to Deploy on Attack Submarines in ...
Nov 18, 2021 · While the first Zumwalt-class destroyer will get a hypersonic weapon in 2025, the first Virginia-class ... cold launch, right,” Wolfe said.
[38]
China Launched the 24th Type 052D, 6th Type 055 & 71st Type 056 ...
Dec 30, 2019 · They are of the same model as those used on Type 052D, compatible with both hot and cold launch missiles thanks to the Concentric Canister ...
[39]
China's Navy Deploys Three-Tier Defensive Weapons
Jul 1, 2013 · So the HHQ-9 VLS is a unique Chinese adaptation of the Russian design. The HHQ-16 that appeared on the upgraded 054 frigates designated 054A ...
[40]
Type 052D Luyang-III Class Missile Destroyer - China Defence Today
May 27, 2017 · Instead, it utilises a more advanced concentric canister launch (CCL) method, which was first pioneered by US Navy in the mid-1990 for Mk 41 VLS ...
[41]
U.S. Navy to Introduce Next-Generation Modular Missile Program
Sep 30, 2025 · The U.S. Navy's upcoming modular missile program aims to bring a series of next-generation munitions to the fleet's VLS cells.Missing: Launcher concepts post- 2020
[42]
How the U.S. Army's Next-Gen Launch System Optimized
Nov 13, 2024 · The Army lauded this system as being developed “in record time.” Leveraging the Navy's MK 41 VLS proven technology, we cut timing, reduced risk, ...Missing: post- | Show results with:post-
[43]
MK 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS)
Jun 30, 1999 · The 8-Cell Module consists of an upright structure that provides vertical storage space for eight missile canisters. A deck and hatch assembly ...
[44]
(SBIR) Navy - Ablative Material for Missile Launchers
DESCRIPTION: The Mark 41 VLS is a general-purpose missile launching system capable of supporting air, surface, and underwater engagements.ï¿½ As part of a shipï ...<|separator|>
[45]
MK 41 Vertical Launching Systems (VLS) Canisters - GovTribe
The Canister contains adjustable lateral restraint shoes, longitudinal shock isolators, an ablative coated steel baseplate structure, ablative blocks ...
[46]
Evolved Seasparrow Missile Block 1 (ESSM) (RIM 162D) - Navy.mil
Oct 21, 2022 · Increased firepower and lethality are realized with the MK 25 quad pack canister used for MK 41 Vertical Launch System (VLS)- ... ESSM is fired ...
[47]
Vertical Launch Systems Evolve | Proceedings - U.S. Naval Institute
Mk 41 prime Lockheed Martin now is building on Mk 41 technology to develop a single-cell launcher that would retain the form of the Mk 25 quad pack. The single- ...
[48]
AEGIS Weapon System > United States Navy > Display-FactFiles
Sep 20, 2021 · ... Vertical Launching System (VLS), allowing greater missile selection, firepower and survivability. The improved AN/SPY-1B radar went to sea ...
[49]
Aegis | Raytheon - RTX
Aegis is an integrated missile guidance system used on U.S. Navy and allied ships to protect the fleet ... SPY-1D(V) Transmitter and MK 99 Fire Control System.
[50]
The AEGIS Weapon System - THRESTON - Wiley Online Library
Oct 5, 2009 · Four Mk-99s are used in the AEGIS cruiser configuration. (The destroyer has three.) ▫. The Vertical Launching System (VLS) Mk-41—This guided ...<|separator|>
[51]
[PDF] Vertical Launching System (VLS) Mk 41– Tactical-Length Module
Vertical Launching System (VLS). Mk 41– Tactical-Length Module. Missiles. SM-2 ... Launch Control System Sizes and Weights. Inches (L x W x H)*. Pounds.
[52]
[PDF] Adaptable Deck Launching System
The ADL is available in two lengths, tactical length and strike length and is fully compatible with missile canisters developed for the Mk 41 Vertical Launching.Missing: dimensions | Show results with:dimensions<|separator|>
[53]
[PDF] MK41 VERTICAL LAUNCHING SYSTEM - Lockheed Martin
MK 41 VLS is the only launching system that can simultaneously communicate with weapon control systems and missiles of every warfighting mission area: anti-.Missing: principles | Show results with:principles
[54]
Link 16 - Missile Defense Advocacy Alliance
Link 16 is a Tactical Data Link networking land, sea, and air forces for joint operations, primarily for air and missile defense command and control.Missing: VLS | Show results with:VLS
[55]
Vertical Launch System Self-Assessment Grooming and Training
Mar 31, 2015 · The VLS SAGT describes and demonstrates, at an advanced level, the knowledge and skills necessary to perform self-assessment and systems groom.Missing: monitoring | Show results with:monitoring
[56]
Navy Conducts First Successful Tests Reloading Missiles and ...
Oct 15, 2024 · In a proof-of-concept last week using a repurposed 1990s-era prototype equipment, crews transferred and reloaded 25-foot missile canisters ...Missing: Zumwalt | Show results with:Zumwalt
[57]
U.S. Navy Tests At-Sea VLS Reloading During Command Drills
Jul 23, 2025 · A US Navy guided-missile destroyer and Ready Reserve crane ship demonstrated the service's latest at-sea VLS reloading efforts last week.Missing: remote Zumwalt
[58]
About Us - Commander, Naval Surface Force Atlantic
Flight IIA Arleigh-Burke Class Guided Missile Destroyer. 509.5 ft long. 66 ft ... 96 MK41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) Cells for SM 2/3/6, ESSM, TLAM, and VLA.
[59]
DCNS Sylver Vertical Launching System VLS Aster MdCN Missile
Using PAAMS, up to eight missiles can be launched in 10 seconds. The French Navy has initiated studies to convert the SCALP EG missile to be capable of launch ...Missing: cold process
[60]
Guided Missile Submarines - SSGN - Navy.mil
Nov 15, 2023 · Therefore, the Navy decided to transform four Ohio-Class submarines into conventional land attack and SOF platforms. This allowed the Navy to ...Missing: adaptations | Show results with:adaptations
[61]
Navy Planning for December 2025 Hypersonic Missile Test off USS ...
Feb 1, 2023 · The Navy plans to perform a hypersonic missile test shot off guided-missile destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG-1000) in December 2025, a service official said today.
[62]
Army Bullseyes Maritime Target with Portable Launcher - USNI News
Jul 17, 2025 · The US Army hit an at-sea target with a Standard Missile 6 fired from its Typhon missile system as part of the Talisman Sabre 2025 exercise in Australia.
[63]
USMC's Tomahawk Cruise Missile Launching Drone Truck Eyed By ...
Apr 15, 2025 · The US Army has expressed interest in the US Marine Corps' new uncrewed 4×4 Tomahawk cruise missile launch vehicle as a possible complement to its larger ...
[64]
Marine Corps terminates development of JLTV-mounted Tomahawk ...
Jul 10, 2025 · The Marine Corps is canceling efforts to develop a mobile fires system for Tomahawk missiles after early testing found the capability poorly ...Missing: VLS | Show results with:VLS
[65]
Iron Dome Air Defence Missile System - Army Technology
Oct 20, 2023 · Other features of the Iron Dome include a vertical launch interceptor, warhead and proximity fuse, mobile launcher and compatibility with ...Missing: variants | Show results with:variants
[66]
Rapid Dragon's first live fire test of a Palletized Weapon System ...
Dec 16, 2021 · Rapid Dragon demonstrates the ability to employ weapons using standard airdrop procedures from cargo aircraft using the Rapid Dragon Palletized Weapon System.
[67]
This Mini Vertical Launch System Can Give Small Ships And Trucks ...
Dec 18, 2020 · The modular launchers bring the very capable Joint Air-to-Ground Missile, and possibly more, to light vehicles and small patrol ships.
[68]
Mk.41 Vertical Launching System VLS Navy DDG CG FFG
The vertical launching system (VLS) concept was derived from work on the Aegis Combat System. The missiles are pre-loaded into "canisters", which are then ...Missing: history 1960s 1970s
[69]
Greece's FDI HN frigates: Naval Group reveals new details
May 9, 2023 · ... Sylver VLS, systems that have been fitted to Greek counterparts, plus other systems such as R-ECM (jammer). The FDI is designed “with margin ...Missing: specifications | Show results with:specifications
[70]
British Type 26 frigates to get Lockheed missile launcher
Mar 2, 2018 · The Type 45 anti-air destroyers operated by the British use the Sylver vertical launch system, built by France's Naval Group, to fire its MBDA- ...
[71]
Japan's ASEV Super Destroyer: Fresh Details Unveiled - Naval News
Mar 6, 2025 · With 128 cells, Japan's ASEV joins Korea's Sejong the Great-class as the ships with the highest number of VLS cells in the world today ...
[72]
3S-14
The 3S-14 is a vertical launching system (VLS) developed for the Club-U modular missile system and that will be provided to Kirov heavy missile cruisers as well ...
[73]
Russia 'Dangles' Hypersonic Missiles On U.S. Aircraft Carriers
Jul 28, 2024 · The warship is fitted with 3S14 VLS cells, which can launch Kalibr, Oniks, or Zircon anti-ship cruise missiles. Earlier on March 31, the Russian ...
[74]
Shipyard in China Launched The 25th Type 052D and 8th Type 055 ...
Aug 30, 2020 · The PLAN is set to fit its first few Type 055 with HQ-9B anti-aircraft missiles with a range of 200 km, YJ-18A anti-ship missiles, a new type of ...Missing: HHQ- | Show results with:HHQ-
[75]
Kolkata Class Guided Missile Destroyers - Naval Technology
Nov 30, 2016 · The 16-cell universal vertical launcher module (UVLM) fitted on the ship can launch BrahMos missiles. There are two vertical launching systems ...
[76]
India's Project 15A and 15B Destroyers: Blending Capabilities from ...
Armament consists of 16 PJ-10 Brahmos ram-jet powered antiship/land-attack cruise missiles, carried forward in two eight-cell vertical launchers. The Brahmos, ...
[77]
Mowj-class (Wave-class) Corvette - GlobalSecurity.org
Oct 11, 2024 · These modern frigates displace 1,850 tons, and are equipped with the SS-N-27 anti-ship missile (carrying twelve missiles in a vertical-launch ...
[78]
Dena destroyer to be equipped with vertical launch missiles
Aug 9, 2023 · 09 (MNA) – The domestically-manufactured Mowj class Dena destroyer is going to be furnished with state-of-the-art vertically-launched missiles ...
[79]
Pentagon: Chinese Navy to Expand to 400 Ships by 2025, Growth ...
Nov 29, 2022 · By 2025, the People's Liberation Army Navy is expected to grow to 400 hulls, up from its fleet of 340, according to the Pentagon's annual China military report ...Missing: global | Show results with:global<|control11|><|separator|>
[80]
Unpacking China's Naval Buildup - CSIS
Jun 5, 2024 · The U.S. Navy currently has about 9,900 VLS cells spread across its surface combatants and submarines, while the PLAN only has about 4,200. This ...