US Navy Orders Nine Additional Flight III Arleigh Burke Destroyers
The US Navy has awarded General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and HII Ingalls Shipbuilding fixed-priced contracts to build nine additional Arleigh Burke-class (DDG 51) destroyers in the Flight III configuration.
Flight III incorporates enhanced offensive and defensive weapon systems as well as maritime warfare capabilities to counter evolving threats.
Major integrations in this upgrade include the next-generation AN/SPY-6(V)1 Air and Missile Defense Radar and the Aegis Baseline 10 Combat System.
Three Destroyers From Bath Iron Works
Bath Iron Works will commence work on three vessels from 2023 to 2026 at its facility in Bath, Maine.
The fleet is scheduled for completion by December 2033.
“We appreciate the opportunity to build on our history of providing these highly advanced ships for the US Navy fleet and are honored to do our part to contribute to protecting the nation and our families,” Bath Iron Works President Chuck Krugh said.
“Flight III destroyers have significantly increased capability, and our skilled shipbuilders are committed to producing ships that meet the quality standards that our Navy Sailors deserve.”
Six Destroyers From Ingalls
Meanwhile, Ingalls will construct six destroyers starting this year until 2027. A large part of the work will be done at the company’s site in Pascagoula, Mississippi.
The Ingalls vessels are expected to be complete by June 2034.
“We look forward to the years of stability that this award provides and the opportunity to continue working with our industry partners on this important class of ships,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said.
Additional DDG 51 Vessels Expected
Both contract awards feature options for engineering change proposals, design budgeting requirements, and post-delivery availability.
Furthermore, the agreements include options to construct additional DDG 51 destroyers in the future.
The US Department of Defense has not disclosed the value of the latest orders.
To date, General Dynamics and HII have delivered over 70 Arleigh Burke-class vessels to the US Navy.
The service’s first Flight III destroyer, the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG 125), arrived in June 2023.
