Austal eyeing European markets for US Navy’s new medical ship design
The Alabama-based shipyard is promoting the new medical ship at the Euronaval exposition in Paris.
The Alabama-based shipyard is promoting the new medical ship at the Euronaval exposition in Paris.
The deal is a milestone in Austal's ongoing partnership with General Dynamics to offload some of the pressure on the submarine industrial base.
Larry Ryder, an Austal executive, told Breaking Defense the first EMS will begin construction in 2025.
"All I want is ships as fast as I can get them,” said Rear Adm. Chad Jacoby when asked about maintaining two shipbuilders for the Offshore Patrol Cutter program.
Austal has invested $100 million in buying the land, revitalizing its facilities and building a floating dry dock to be used nearby.
To fill in gaps in a burdened industrial base, Austal will build two modules destined for both the Virginia and Columbia-class submarines.
Michigan’s defense ecosystem and expertise makes it a special asset for production.
The Navy's hospital ships have served it well for decades but what's next? Austal may have an answer.