A vertical launching system (VLS) is an advanced system for holding and firing missiles on mobile naval platforms, such as surface ships and submarines. Each vertical launch system consists of a number of cells, which can hold one or more missiles ready for firing. Typically, each cell can hold a number of different types of missiles, allowing the ship flexibility to load the best set for any given mission. Further, when new missiles are developed, they are typically fitted to the existing vertical launch systems of that nation, allowing existing ships to use new types of missiles without expensive rework. When the command is given, the missile flies straight up long enough to clear the cell and the ship, and then turns on course.
US MK41 VLS is below-deck, multi-mission launching system capable of defending the mobile naval platforms, such as surface ships and submarines from numerous threats. The MK41 VLS is capable of launching anti-air, anti-submarine, surface-to-surface and strike missiles, and can respond to directions from multiple weapon control systems. Vertical launch systems (VLS) have become the standard for guided missile launchers in modern submarines and surface warships.
On 7 October 2015, the Gepard class frigate and three Buyan-M class Russian Navy corvettes, part of the Caspian Flotilla, launched 26 Kalibr-NK system cruise missiles 3M14T from the Caspian Sea at 11 targets in Syria. It was the first real-world test of its Kalibr land attack cruise missile – a game changer, making Russia a member of the elite club of countries.
The Kalibr is designed to share common parts between the surface and submarine-launched variants but each missile consists of different components, for example, the booster. The missile can be launched from a surface ship with a Vertical Launched System (VLS) and a booster with thrust vectoring capability.
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