Additional MK 41 Vertical Launching System canisters are to be supplied to the U.S. Navy by BAE Systems under a contract modification. The modification is to a 2013 contract and is worth $52.9 million.

"We have a long history with the VLS canister program," said Chris Hughes, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems at BAE Systems. "This contract reflects the trust the Navy has in us for this highly effective system."

The canisters are used for shipping and storage of missiles. Aboard a ship, they are positioned within the Mk 41 VLS, which is located below a ship's deck, where they contain rocket motor exhaust, provide launch rail support during firings, and provide identification and firing support to multiple missile types. Among the missiles: Tomahawks, Standard Missile-3, Standard Missile-6, and SeaSparrow missiles.

BAE Systems said work under the contract will be conducted over a two-year period at its facilities in South Dakota and Minnesota. The original contract will continue in force until 2019.