Overview
- The Navy contract to HII’s Ingalls, announced Tuesday, immediately obligates $80.6 million split 73% from 2026 shipbuilding funds and 27% from 2026 research and development funds.
- Lead-yard work will finish a build-ready design, secure long-lead parts, and start pre-construction that includes cutting and shaping steel for the lead ship’s foundation.
- The award was issued without competition under 10 U.S.C. 3204(a)(2) for unusual and compelling urgency, with work scheduled to run through April 2028.
- After canceling most of the Constellation-class in late 2025, the Navy selected Ingalls to adapt the Legend-class National Security Cutter, with buys planned for one ship in FY 2027, a second in FY 2029, and two in FY 2031.
- The frigate is aimed at surface warfare and teaming with unmanned systems, and Ingalls says more than $1 billion in yard upgrades in Pascagoula will support this work alongside destroyer and amphibious ship lines.