Vertical Launch Antisubmarine (VLA) missile

The Vertical Launch Antisubmarine missile (VLA) is a attack operational antisubmarine warfare (ASW) weapon. It was first used with the U.S. and Japanese navies.

The missile is a three-stage rocket-propelled weapon and is fired from the Mk 41 Vertical Launching System (VLS). It provides standoff capability; all-weather capability, up to Sea State 6; rapid deployment; and 360-degree engagement capability.

The modular VLS, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martin, consists of an...