US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
Fincantieri has laid the keel for the Qatar Navy’s first Doha-class corvette at its Muggiano shipyard, the company announced on 27 November.
The 107m corvette has a width of 14.7m and a maximum speed of 28 knots. The vessel is equipped with a combined diesel and diesel plant and can accommodate 112 people onboard, including 98 crew members. It is designed for a wide range of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to operating as a combat vessel.
The vessel is capable of operating high-speed boats such as rigid hull inflatable boats via lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. It features a flight deck and hangar that is capable of accommodating one NH90 helicopter.
The vessel will be delivered to the Qatar Navy in 2021.
Fincantieri is building the vessel under a €4 billion contract signed with the Qatar Ministry of Defence in 2016. The contract covers a total of seven surface vessels, including four corvettes, one amphibious vessel landing platform dock and two OPVs.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.