USN awards Austal USA LCS sustainment execution contract
The littoral combat ships USS Independence (LCS 2), and USS Coronado (LCS 4). (Photo: Austal USA)
USN awards second recent major service contract for the maintenance and modernisation of LCSs to Austal USA.
Austal USA has been awarded a contract for the repair, maintenance and modernisation of all Littoral Combat Ships (LCSs) based in Mayport, Florida, by the USN.
This is the second major service contract awarded to Austal this month following the 5 August SEC West award.
The 5 August award contracted Austal to support MAC I sustainment execution efforts for Independence-class LCSs based in San Diego; the contract is expected to end in February 2023.
These two awards enable Austal to support the entire LCS fleet worldwide.
Austal is already providing design services, integrated data and product model environment support as part of a contract modification for the Independence-class LCS, awarded in June 2021.
According to Shephard Defence Insight, the LCS programme was originally planned to replace the ageing Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates.
However, cost increases and delays to the programme has caused the USN to progress with the FFG(X) future frigate programme instead.
The LCS ships are now intended to replace the USN’s Patrol Coastal Boats.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs]()
Red Cat expands its manufacturing capacities to surge production of UAVs and USVs
The company has invested $80 million to enhance its facilities and establish a new maritime division.
-
![Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027]()
Zumwalt-class hypersonic missile plan progresses with demonstration set for 2027
The US Navy’s Zumwalt-class destroyer is a stealth ship originally designed to consist of a fleet of 32 but has been cut back to three. Conceived for a land-attack role, it is now being fitted with a hypersonic missile capability.
-
![How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?]()
How powerful is the US fleet of nuclear submarines compared to Russian capabilities?
Although both countries still operate Cold War-era platforms, they possess capable nuclear-powered and armed submarines and are investing in the development of new, advanced capabilities.
-
![Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds]()
Royal Australian Navy’s plan for fleet refresh continues in the face of headwinds
Australia has selected the Mogami-class frigate from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) to replace Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Anzac-class frigates. The decision has been made as the RAN pushes to introduce delayed offshore patrol vessels (OPVs), awaits criticised Hunter-class ships and lives in the shadow of threats to the Collins-class submarine replacement efforts.
