Austal USA gains Independence-class LCS contract modification

23rd June 2021 - 11:15 GMT | by The Shephard News Team

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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 will provide design services and integrated data and product model environment support for the Independence-class LCS under the latest contract modification.

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.