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’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
-
Helsing unveils new AI-enabled uncrewed underwater glider
The glider, named SG-1 Fathom, has been designed to be scalable and affordable, and can be deployed for up to three months at a time, according to Helsing.
-
Singapore to upgrade Super Rapid 76mm guns with Strales system
A total of 28 active surface ships will receive the upgrades to their weaponry to help them combat the growing threat from UAVs.
-
Will the US be able to make its shipbuilding industry “great again”?
The White House and Congress have been increasing efforts to support the national maritime industry.
-
Euroatlas brings Greyshark AUV to Asia for its maiden visit
Euroatlas displayed its Greyshark autonomous underwater vehicle outside Europe for the first time, highlighting variant specifications and development progress at IMDEX 2025.