US Naval Sea Systems Command has awarded Textron a $386.28 million contract modification to build 15 more Ship-to-Shore Connector (SSC) hovercraft.
Work will be completed by January 2025 at sites in Louisiana (80%), New Jersey (8%), Ohio (8%) and Gloucester in the UK (4%).
The SSC has a top speed of 35kt and a service life of 30 years. It will replace the existing fleet of USN Landing Craft Air Cushion hovercraft, to 'land surface assault elements in support of operational manoeuvre from the sea at over-the-horizon distances while operating from amphibious ships and mobile landing platforms', the US DoD announced on 16 April.
Textron Systems announced on 9 March the delivery of its first SSC craft to the USN.
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
The presence of the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group in the Persian Gulf means additional naval and aerial capabilities, which provides the US with multiple attacking options.
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