UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
Future USS Delbert D Black completes builder's trials
The US Navy’s future USS Delbert D Black (DDG 119) has successfully completed builder’s trials, the navy announced on 24 February.
Conducted by shipbuilder Huntington Ingalls Industries, the trials were carried out over three days in the Gulf of Mexico.
The vessel will now prepare for acceptance trials in March, which will be carried out by the US Navy’s Board of Inspection and Survey.
Delbert D Black is configured as a Flight IIA destroyer. Designed to support power projection, forward presence and escort operations at sea in low intensity conflict/coastal and littoral offshore warfare as well as open ocean conflict, the vessel will be equipped with the Aegis Combat System.
Capt Seth Miller, DDG 51 class program manager, Program Executive Office Ships, said: ‘The navy and our dedicated shipbuilders have continued to make strides towards delivering this exceptional capability to the fleet, and performed well during builder’s trials. This ship continues the proud Aegis shipbuilding legacy and will provide the navy with a 21st century fighting edge.’
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
-
![Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?]()
Does the increase in US firepower in the Middle East indicate another Iran strike?
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
-
![US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026]()
US Navy to invest more than $700 million in laser-related R&D efforts in FY2026
The US Navy’s acceleration of its laser weapon development initiatives reflects a decisive shift towards ultimately having a “laser on every ship” across tomorrow’s surface fleet.
