US Navy receives final Independence-class Littoral Combat Ship
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The Indian Navy launched the third ship of Project 15B, guided missile destroyer Imphal, at Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders' facility in Mumbai on 20 April 2019.
The Project 15B ships are 163m in length, 17.4m at beam and have a displacement of 7,300t. The ships will be propelled by four gas turbines and able to achieve speeds in excess of 30kt. The P15B destroyers’ stealth features have been achieved through shaping of hull and use of radar transparent deck fittings which make the ships difficult to detect. The vessels will be equipped to carry and operate two multi-role helicopters.
The vessels are equipped with multi-functional surveillance radars and a vertically launched missile system for long distance engagement of shore, sea-based and air targets.
The delivery acceptance of the future USS Pierre marks the conclusion of the construction phase for the Independence-variant.
The new Barracuda version has been engineered to perform enhanced subsea and seabed warfare missions.
The nearly $25 billion investment will cover USCG procurement of cutters, aircraft, helicopters, training simulators and Polar capabilities over the next four years.
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.