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
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
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.
-
![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.
