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 Haslar towing tank at QinetiQ's facility in Portsmouth. (Photo: QinetiQ)
The ten-year contract also includes a five-year extension provision, ensuring a seamless transition from a previous 15-year agreement.
The MSCA delivers sovereign capabilities contributing to the UK’s ability to design, build and operate the UK RN’s surface and subsurface fleet, including the continuous at-sea deterrent (CASD).
QinetiQ UK Defence chief executive Nic Anderson said: ‘The award of the MSCA contract demonstrates the ongoing commitment of the Ministry of Defence and the Submarine Delivery Agency in working with QinetiQ to deliver and assure critical maritime capability to the UK.’
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The contract provides for independent design, test, evaluation and assurance services across hydromechanics, stealth, signatures, structures and life support.
SDA CEO Chris Gardner said the strategic relationship with QinetiQ secured essential MSCA capabilities for the agency and was good news for the RN’s submarine programme.
Work on the contract is delivered from facilities across the UK in Gosport, Rosyth, Chichester and Farnborough.
RN Director Submarines, RAdm Simon Asquith, said: ‘The MSCA is an essential cornerstone of some critical aspects of Royal Navy capability.
‘These capabilities will help to ensure that the UK can continue to design, build, and operate world beating submarines, both now and into the future.’
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.