US Coast Guard to invest nearly $11 billion in new capabilities by October
The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The second of five Avante 2200 corvettes being built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia for the Royal Saudi Naval Forces was launched at the San Fernando site in mid-November.
Named Al Diriyah, the corvette is 104m long, has a beam of 14m and will be able to accommodate 102 personnel including an embarked air element. The vessel’s maximum speed is 27kt and has an operational endurance of 21 days.
The class will feature the CATIZ combat management system, which will be implemented through a joint venture agreement between Navantia and Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI). Navantia will transfer the Catiz capability in full to SAMI which could then be marketed to the wider Middle East region.
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The US Coast Guard is expected to acquire new aircraft, helicopters, vessels and ISR sensors this fiscal year using resources from the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
Recent developments in France and the UK highlight how autonomous helicopters are becoming central to naval force design as navies seek to integrate crewed and uncrewed systems at sea.
The platforms will be tested in multiple missions to define performance requirements for a coming acquisition programme.
As HII prepares to deliver its latest AI-enabled uncrewed surface vessel later this year, its major UK facility expansion aligns with the UK Royal Navy’s plans for a hybrid fleet.
The UK, the US and Australia have all been working on “extra-large” uncrewed underwater vehicles, but China’s reported development of a significantly larger capability demonstrates the country’s rapid advancement in underwater warfare.
The first Arctic Security Cutter will be built by Rauma Marine Constructions to be deployed in the US Arctic waters.