Fincantieri keeps USN Avenger minesweepers afloat
Avenger-class ships are capable of finding, classifying and destroying moored and bottom mines, pictured is USS Champion. (Photo: US Navy)
The US Navy has awarded a contract to Fincantieri subsidiary, Fincantieri Marin Systems North America, for the maintenance of the USN’s Avenger-class minesweepers.
The programme has a potential value of more than $78 million and was awarded as part of Fincantieri's after-sales services.
The USN operates eight Avenger-class minesweepers, all of which are homeported in Bahrain and Japan.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the USN initially procured 14 vessels produced by Fincantieri and now dissolved Peterson Builders. Six have since been decommissioned.
The Navy is moving towards utilising the Littoral Combat Ship and uncrewed vessels for mine hunting purposes.
The vessels feature diesel engines produced by Isotta Fraschini Motori, also a Fincantieri subsidiary, and many were constructed at Fincantieri shipyards on the Great Lakes.
The group is also currently engaged in the construction of the USN's Constellation-class frigates.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
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
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
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
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
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.