HII to build new America-class Amphibious Assault Ship for US Navy
The future LHA 9 will differ from USS America, pictured, with the addition of a well deck and enlarged flight deck. (Photo: USN)
HII has already built two America-class LHAs, USS America (LHA 6) and USS Tripoli (LHA 7), with a third, USS Bougainville (LHA 8) under construction.
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding business has been awarded a $2.4 billion contract for the detail design and construction of a yet-to-be-named America-class vessel (LHA 9).
The contract award includes options that would increase its total value to $3.2 billion if executed.
Construction of LHA 9 is set to begin this December.
LHA 9 retains the aviation capability of the America-class design but adds a well deck and a larger flight deck designed to operate the F-35B and MV-22 Osprey aircraft.
Up to 11 ships are planned, and at 45,000t, the America-class is slightly larger than the preceding Wasp-class.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
LHA Replacement Programme [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order]()
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
![Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation]()
Beyond GPS: How LEO satellites are changing the game in naval navigation
Satellite navigation is increasingly critical for global maritime defence, and Low Earth Orbit satellites are rapidly overtaking the traditional and more widely used Medium Earth Orbit option as they are less susceptible to jamming or spoofing.
-
![US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials]()
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
![US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence]()
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
