# BAE Systems Displays Adaptable Deck Launcher Built Under $37 Million Contract

> BAE Systems showed its Adaptable Deck Launcher at Euronaval 2026, a four-cell design that doubles ready ESSM capacity from 8 to 16 within the Mk 29 footprint.

- Published: 2026-11-05T21:42:03+00:00
- Section: Product Launches
- Author: News Desk
- URL: https://newsforagent.com/news/2026-11-05/bae-systems-adaptable-deck-launcher-euronaval
- Source: [Janes.com](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/weapons/euronaval-2026-bae-systems-showcases-adaptable-deck-launcher)

## Key takeaways

- BAE Systems displayed current and future Adaptable Deck Launcher designs at Euronaval 2026 in Paris from 3-6 November.
- The launcher was developed under a $37 million US Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium contract awarded in July 2023.
- The four-cell variant doubles ready-to-fire ESSM capacity from 8 to 16 missiles using the Mk 25 quad-pack canister.
- Tate Westbrook said the launcher can be reloaded at sea and its smaller form factor suits smaller surface vessels and unmanned hybrid fleet systems.

BAE Systems showcased current and future designs of its Adaptable Deck Launcher at Euronaval 2026, held in Paris from 3-6 November. The system was developed under a $37 million US Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium contract awarded in July 2023, [Janes](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/weapons/euronaval-2026-bae-systems-showcases-adaptable-deck-launcher) reported.

## How the Adaptable Deck Launcher Works

The contract covers design of the Next Generation Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Launch System, which uses the Adaptable Deck Launcher concept. BAE Systems kept commonality of standards, components and function with the existing Mk 41 Vertical Launch System and its missile canisters.

Tate Westbrook, director for business development for naval guns and missile launchers at BAE Systems, said the launcher offers two advantages over conventional vertical launch systems. "It can be effectively reloaded at sea while underway, and its reduced form factor enables use with smaller surface vessels and unmanned hybrid fleet systems," he said.

Westbrook told Janes that the launcher's opening enclosure gives cranes access to its inclined canisters. A hatch on top of the deck-mounted unit lets cranes remove and replace missile canisters and launch cell adapters with reduced crewing needs. The design also improves ease of maintenance and loading speed over the Mk 29 Guided Missile Launching System in service with the US Navy.

The design contracted by the US Navy is a four-cell variant. With the Mk 25 quad-pack canister, surface combatants can double ready-to-fire capacity of RIM-162 Evolved Sea Sparrow Missiles from 8 to 16 units within the same deck footprint as the Mk 29 system.

## BAE Systems' Recent Naval Launches

BAE Systems unveiled four configurations of its Bofors 40 mm Mk 4 naval gun system at Euronaval 2026 in Paris, Janes reported on November 3, 2026. The modular family includes the Mk 4, Sea Tridon, Sea Tridon C and Sea Tridon, with varying sensor integration and platform compatibility.

On November 4, 2026, BAE Systems Maritime Solutions Jacksonville received a $66.5 million US Navy contract to maintain, modernize and repair the USS St. Louis (LCS 19) for its fiscal 2027 Docking Selected Restricted Availability, Pulse 2.0 reported.

## BAE Systems Board Appointment Date

BAE Systems appointed Shobie Ramakrishnan as a non-executive director effective 22 February 2027, joining the Nominations Committee, TradingView reported on November 4, 2026.

## Companies in this story

- BAE Systems · website: http://www.baesystems.com

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