USCG orders Sentinel-class cutters
Bollinger Shipyards has been awarded a contract from the US Coast Guard (USCG) worth an initial $318.6 million for six Sentinel-class fast response cutters (FRCs), the USCG announced on 4 May.
The contract covers procurement of up to 26 cutters with a potential value of $1.42 billion if all options are exercised. If all 26 cutters are ordered, there would be 58 FRCs on order in the USCG's Program of Record.
The USCG is acquiring the FRCs to upgrade its near-offshore patrol capabilities for missions such as fishery patrols; national defence; search and rescue; waterways, ports and coastal security; and drug and migrant interdiction.
The FRCs have a length 154ft, a maximum speed of 28kts, and range of 2,950nm. The ships will feature new C4ISR equipment, improved seakeeping and habitability and a stern cutter boat launch to reach vessels of interest.
A total of 16 FRCs are currently in service, with the 17th scheduled for commission later this month.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities]()
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
![UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction]()
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
![US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter]()
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
![NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition]()
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?
