China Lake – October 27, 2026 -- BAE Systems (LON: BA) has completed the first live-fire test of its Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL), a missile launching system built for U.S. Navy and allied fleets under a U.S. Department of War contract for the NATO Seasparrow Project Office (NSPO).

ADL reuses Mk 41 VLS logistics and electronics to hold down operating costs

The launcher offers the reliability of a Vertical Launching System (VLS) while running on the existing Mk 41 VLS logistics and electronics suite. That keeps operating costs low, according to the company. BAE Systems describes the system as a way to double combat capabilities through rapid, deck-mounted deployment.

At-sea reloading lets ships sustain fire without returning to port

Expedited reloading at sea is the system's main operational advantage. Ships can maintain high rates of fire without returning to port. Jason Casciotti, vice president of Weapons Systems at BAE Systems, said the ADL complements the Mk 41 VLS by adding rapid replenishment with standard shipboard equipment, giving fleets more flexibility in sustaining combat loads at sea.

Launcher targets carriers, amphibious ships and medium unmanned vessels

The ADL supports anti-air defense and flexible maritime operations across aircraft carriers, amphibious ships and other surface combatants. Its compact configurations are also optimized for unmanned warfare, including medium unmanned surface vessels.

BAE Systems is the mechanical design agent for the Mk 41 VLS family. It developed the ADL for full compatibility with Evolved SeaSparrow Missile Mk 25 Quad-Pack canisters, which provide ship-based surface-to-air defence against supersonic anti-ship missiles, aircraft and other aerial threats.