Austal USA gains Independence-class LCS contract modification
The USN commissioned its latest Independence-class LCS vessel, USS Oakland, on 17 April 2021. (Photo: USN/Chief Mass Communication Specialist John Pearl)
Austal USA has obtained a $44.38 million contract modification from Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) to exercise an option for Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) design services and integrated data and product model environment support.
Work will be performed in Mobile, Alabama (60%); and Pittsfield, Massachusetts (40%), and is expected to be completed by June 2022.
NAVSEA issued the original $584.2 million LCS construction contract for Austal USA in June 2017.
General Dynamics builds the Independence-class LCS variant at the Austal USA shipyard in Mobile, Alabama.
Shephard Defence Insight notes that a total of 13 Independence-class ships have been delivered to the USN out of 19 originally planned.
However, cost increases and delays — and the failure of these vessels to meet expectations — means that the programme has been curtailed in favour of the FFG(X) future frigate programme.
Indeed, USS Independence will be retired from frontline duty on 31 July 2021 and USS Coronado will follow suit under plans announced by the USN in June 2020.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US tests the newest QUICKSINK maritime weapon variant in the Norwegian Sea
The low-cost, anti-ship, precision-guided 500lb class capability was launched by a USAF B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
-
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
US Coast Guard orders 10 additional Fast Response Cutters
The USCG exercised a $507 million contract option for the acquisition of 10 extra FRCs. This new order will raise the total number of Sentinel-class vessels procured by the service from 67 to 77.
-
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.