Austal wins US Navy’s LCS contract
Austal has received a contract worth up to AUD779 million ($584m) to build the 14th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 28) for the US Navy, the company announced on 25 June.
The 127m LCS 28 will be built at the company’s shipyard in Mobile, Alabama, while certain subsystems will be manufactured at the Austal’s Henderson facility in Western Australia, as part of a continuation of its successful subcontract collaboration with the US.
David Singleton, CEO, Austal, said: ‘While I am obviously happy for Austal I am also delighted in the vote of confidence this delivers for Australian shipbuilding and design. Should we win the $3 billion Offshore Patrol Vessel contract for the Royal Australian Navy, we intend to introduce many of the advanced manufacturing techniques and efficiency gains perfected in the US into our local operations.’
The US Navy is expected to order two more LCS vessels in the current US financial year. To date, Austal’s total order for the Independence-class LCS have totalled approximately $8 billion, which equates to approximately 75% of the likely value of the entire Australian Government frigate construction programme.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
-
![Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection]()
Mitsubishi eyes future with Australia’s Mogami selection
With Australia’s selection of the Mogami-class for Project Sea 3000, Mitsubishi is investigating local production in the next decade as potential export opportunities emerge.
-
![Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions]()
Thales’ new Sonar 76Nano could equip UK Royal Navy on anti-submarine warfare missions
The new sonar is designed to equip uncrewed underwater vessels, with the potential to be used by the Royal Navy for its Atlantic Bastion and Atlantic Net missions.
-
![Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal]()
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
