USN exercises option for two more Navajo-class rescue and salvage ships
Rendering of a Navajo-class T-ATS vessel. (Image: Gulf Island Shipyards)
Austal USA is to build two additional Navajo-class towing, salvage and rescue ships for the USN, after Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) exercised a $156.17 million option.
Work on T-ATS 13 and 14 for Austal follows the exercise of an option for T-ATS 12 in 2021.
Austal could also build a 15th T-ATS vessel if NAVSEA exercises another option.
The first T-ATS vessels (T-ATS 6 to T-ATS 10) were originally built by Gulf Island Shipyards but the USN in mid-2021 changed tack and pursued a sole-source award with Austal USA.
‘This contract includes options for associated support efforts related to the ship design and construction for special studies, engineering and industrial services, provisioned items orders, and pilot house mock-up,’ the DoD announced on 22 July.
Austal will execute most the contract (54%) at its facility in Mobile, Alabama, where it is building new steel production lines.
Work on T-ATS 13 and T-ATS 14 is expected to be completed in January 2026.
You may also like
More from Defence Notes
-
![High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?]()
High tension in the High North – a wake-up call for NATO’s future Arctic defence efforts?
Any potential ‘Arctic Sentry’ mission would be months in the planning, but with tensions high in the region given the US’s push for Greenland, NATO countries will need to continue to emphasise their commitment to the region, analysts have said.
-
![Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack]()
Venezuela prepares personnel and equipment for a potential second US attack
Defence Minister Gen Vladimir Padrino López has declared that the Venezuelan armed forces “will continue to employ all its available capabilities for military defence”.
-
![As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues]()
As the new year starts, the UK defence spending delay continues
The UK’s defence spending commitments remain uncertain as the government’s Defence Investment Plan, which had been due by the end of 2025, is yet to be published.
-
![How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?]()
How might European countries look to tackle drone incursions?
Disruption of infrastructure in Europe, whether by cyberattack, physical damage to pipelines or uncrewed aerial vehicles flying over major airports, as has happened more recently, is on the rise. What is the most effective way of countering the aerial aspect of this not-so-open warfare?
-
![Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US]()
Taiwan approved for $11 billion weapon purchase from US
The US State Department’s approval of a multi-billion-dollar sale of weapons to Taiwan includes tactical mission networks equipment, uncrewed aerial systems, artillery rocket systems and self-propelled howitzers as well as anti-tank guided missiles.
-
![Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan]()
Ireland spells out $2.3 billion shopping list in five-year defence spending plan
Ireland’s multi-annual investment in capital defence spending is set to rise from €300m in 2026 to €360m in 2029–2030 with major upgrades across land, air, maritime and cyber domains.
