USCG orders additional FRCs
The US Coast Guard (USCG) has awarded a $289 million contract option to Bollinger Shipyards to produce and deliver an additional six Fast Response Cutters (FRCs), the USCG announced on 16 June.
This option award brings FRCs 39 through 44 under contract with Bollinger. The current FRC contract has options for up to 58 cutters.
The USCG is acquiring the FRCs to replace the 1980s Island class 110ft patrol boats. The FRCs are designed and equipped for multiple missions, including drug and migrant interdiction, ports, waterways and coastal security, fishery patrols, search and rescue and national defence.
Currently 22 FRCs are in service, with six stationed in Miami, six in Key West, Florida; six in San Juan, Puerto Rico; two in Cape May, New Jersey, and two in Ketchikan, Alaska.
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Navy to acquire and test MUSV prototypes by the end of FY2026
The new autonomous surface vessels are planned to be operationally fielded in FY2027, following the completion of on-water trials.
-
Hanwha Ocean and TKMS are firming up their Canadian next-gen submarine proposals
CPSP competitors are proposing platforms fitted with advanced, next-generation capabilities to be built and sustained in cooperation with the Canadian industry.
-
UK’s $1 billion AUKUS support request signals strong ongoing US collaboration
The latest foreign military sales request from the UK has implications for the future of the programme and collaboration between the three nations.