U.S. Navy Tests New Launch System That Can Replenish Weapons Without The Ships Returning To Port

BAE Systems, a company headquartered in London, tested the Adaptable Deck Launcher, a new missile launch system for U.S. Navy ships, designed to replenish ammunition without requiring ships to return to port frequently.

ADL was developed under a contract awarded by the Department of War for the NATO Seasparrow Project Office. The system completed its first trials on October 27, 2026, in California, with live-fire drills. It offers ships greater flexibility when sailing far from naval bases.

It utilises the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS) technology to simplify integration with other onboard systems and equipment.

It restores weapons faster when ships use them during combat, as quick weapon reloading could ensure an upper hand over the enemy during long missions.

Conventional systems allow warships to shoot missiles from launch cells, but they do not replace them quickly, and this is a logistical challenge that the new system aims to resolve.

The Adaptable Deck Launcher offers a deck-mounted configuration as well, using the existing architecture of the MK1 system, thus doing away with the need to build a different support structure.

The launcher can fire SeaSparrow Missile (ESSM) Mk 25 quad-pack canisters, and each canister can hold 4 missiles, enabling the compatible launch systems to use multiple interceptors within a single launch cell.

The ESSM defends against anti-ship missiles, planes, and other aerial threats, and ADL being compatible with the canisters gives it a concrete role in current naval operations.

Another advantage of the ADL is its easy integration into existing systems, eliminating the need for different support structures, saving both time and money.

Jason Casciotti, VP of Weapons Systems at BAE Systems, said that the live-fire test was a milestone and that the ADL’s benefits would depend on how it is integrated into the Navy’s logistics and operational processes. Further tests and evaluations would be needed to determine its capabilities, he concluded.

The ADL can also be configured for unmanned naval ships such as medium-sized uncrewed surface vessels. This means drone ships could also be used to carry additional missile payloads.