US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) has awarded a one-year contract worth $4.6 million to Leonardo to support its C-27J Spartan medium range surveillance aircraft, the USCG announced at the beginning of May.
If all three option years are exercised, the value of the contract could reach $16.1 million.
Under the contract, Leonardo will provide technical and logistics support to improve the C-27J's availability for operations. The HC-27J Asset Project Office in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and Air Station Sacramento, California, will receive access to a field service representative and factory service representative who will provide on-site technical expertise.
The coast guard will also receive access to technical data and programme logistics support at the Leonardo logistics facility in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy, to help with delivery of parts.
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.
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
The Royal Australian Navy has finally commissioned the first Arafura-class offshore patrol vessel – more than three years behind schedule – highlighting the programme’s delays, design compromises and ongoing industrial restructuring.
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.