HII delivers first two Lionfish SUUVs to US Navy
The SUUVs could be part of a programme that scales to 200 vehicles.
Taba, an ex-USN Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate now in Egyptian Navy service, in the foreground with French Navy vessel in background. (Photo: Egyptian MoD)
VSE Corporation has received a $85.99 million increase to its IDIQ FMS contract to provide maintenance support for various Egyptian Navy vessels.
The DoD revealed on 16 August that the ceiling increase is necessary to support an urgent sole-source delivery order in support of Egyptian Navy MRO plans for four Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, four fast missile craft and two coastal minehunters.
Some 80% of the work will be completed outside the US ‘based on delivery orders as assigned’, the DoD added.
Work is expected to be completed by March 2023.
Shephard reported in July 2019 that VSE was providing engineering services support via FMS to the Egyptian Navy for Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates, fast missile craft, coastal minehunters and 25m and 28m Fast Patrol Craft.
A further $41.58 million FMS order for VSE in July 2021 covers work until July 2023.
The SUUVs could be part of a programme that scales to 200 vehicles.
The programme was due to be at full operational capability in the US Navy by 2031, but has been pulled over cost and timeline concerns.
The ship is the third in a fleet of 11, with the first vessel due to be delivered in 2026.
The companies have banded together to promote the Fincantieri U212 NFS offering, and hinted that the collaboration may not be a one-bid phenomenon.
The frigate, Spartaco Schergat, is equipped for a broad range of missions, including anti-submarine warfare.
The new contract with Textron Systems will support software development for uncrewed vessels over the next three years.