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Derived from the launch systems developed for ballistic missiles aboard SSBNs, VLS forms a scaled down equivalent for launching the Tomahawk cruise missile. The system enables SSNs (nuclear-powered attack submarines) to carry more weapons, and more significantly, have more weapons ready for firing at a given time. The drawback to VLS is that, unlike torpedo tubes, it cannot be reloaded at sea without a submarine tender or a trip to a submarine base.

VLS launchers have found a role in AEGIS-equipped surface ships on Arleigh Burke, Kongo, and KDX-3 class destroyers, Ticonderoga class cruisers, and Alvaro de BazánThe Alvaro de Bazan class (sometimes referred to as the F100 class of frigates) are a new class of AEGIS-equipped air defense frigates entering service with the Spanish Armada Espanola''. The Norwegian Fridtjof Nansen class of frigates is a derivative des and Fridtjof NansenThe Fridtjof Nansen class of frigates, for the Royal Norwegian Navy, are a derivative of the Spanish Alvaro de Bazan class of AEGIS-equipped air defense frigates. Lockheed Martin and the U. Navy are conducting final systems integration. They will enter se class frigateSailing frigates were 4th, 5th, or 6th-rated ships in the rating system of the Royal Navy. In modern military terminology, a frigate is a warship intended to protect other warships and merchant marine ships and as anti-submarine warfare (ASW) combatants fs, and on one non-AEGIS class, the Spruance classThe Spruance class destroyer developed as replacements for the large number of World War II built Allen M. Sumner and Gearing class destroyers, was the primary destroyer built for the US Navy during the 1970s. The class was originally designed for antisub of destroyers.