# BAE Tests Deck Launcher at China Lake

BAE Systems completed the first live-fire test of its Adaptable Deck Launcher (ADL) at China Lake, California. Funded by the U.S. Department of Defense and developed for the NATO Seasparrow Project Office, the system is designed to complement Mk 41 vertical launch systems and support faster missile replenishment at sea. Compact configurations have also been identified for medium unmanned surface vessels. The reported milestone advances development, but no contract value, solicitation, or follow-on procurement timeline was provided.

- The test is a development milestone for a shipboard weapons capability; procurement teams and defense suppliers can use it as an indicator of technical progress, not as evidence of an announced award or open solicitation.
- Companies with relevant launcher, ship-integration, or unmanned surface vessel capabilities may assess how their offerings align with the ADL’s stated replenishment and integration roles.
- Because the signal provides no procurement timeline or contract details, it does not support a specific bid deadline or immediate solicitation action.
- Jason Casciotti of BAE Systems said the system uses standard shipboard equipment and is intended to give the fleet more flexibility in sustaining combat loads at sea.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 31, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)
- NATO Seasparrow Project Office (NSPO)
- U.S. Navy (USN)

### Vendors
- BAE Systems (ADL developer and DoD-funded development contractor)

### Key Quotes
> The ADL complements the Mk 41 VLS by providing a capability for rapid replenishment, using standard shipboard equipment and offering the fleet additional flexibility in how it sustains combat loads at sea.
> — Jason Casciotti, Vice President of Weapons Systems, BAE Systems

### Sources
- [
	BAE Systems completes live-fire test of the Adaptable Deck Launcher system
](https://www.janes.com/defence-intelligence-insights/defence-news/sea/bae-systems-completes-live-fire-test-of-the-adaptable-deck-launcher-system) - Janes Defence Intelligence