LLTM funding increases again for LHA 9
USS America (LHA 6), pictured in February 2020 in the Pacific Ocean. (Photo: USN/Mass Communication Specialist 3rd Class Nicholas Huynh)
Latest long-lead materials contract will support construction of the fourth America-class assault ship.
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) has received another contract from US Naval Sea Systems Command to provide long lead-time materials (LLTM) in support of the fourth America-class Landing Helicopter Assault ship (LHA 9).
LHA 9 is the second Flight 1 variant in the America class, meaning that it will be built with a well deck.
Work on the latest $113.69 million contract will be performed at nine US locations for completion by April 2024, the DoD announced on 19 November.
The America class will ultimately comprise up to 11 vessels to replace the Tarawa-class and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships in USN service.
Two America-class vessels have been delivered so far.
Shephard Defence Insight expects construction of LHA 9 to start in September 2022 and delivery expected in September 2028.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
LHA Replacement Programme [USN]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
-
![Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028]()
Royal Canadian Navy will start operating class 2 UAVs in 2028
Acquired under Canada’s Department of National Defence ISTAR UAS project, the drones will be deployed from the Halifax-class frigates.
-
![Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic]()
Newest US Coast Guard cutters go after Chinese vessels sailing in the Arctic
Cutters Earl Cunningham and Storis have been monitoring five Beijing research vessels navigating in the North Pole.
-
![US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract]()
US Navy selects 25 companies for up to $1.9 billion nuclear submarine contract
The multi-award contract will support the scheduled repair and maintenance of nuclear-powered attack submarines at the US Navy’s primary public shipyards.
