The U.S. Navy has awarded Austal USA a contract potentially worth $3.2 billion to design and build up to seven TAGOS-25-class ocean surveillance ships. 

As the prime contractor, Austal will work with L3Harris Technologies, Noise Control Engineering, TAI Engineering and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors to build the TAGOS ships, which play a crucial role in theater anti-submarine acoustic surveillance and in the collection of underwater acoustical data for the Integrated Undersea Surveillance System.

Austal USA President Rusty Murdaugh expressed excitement about supporting the U.S. Navy, stating, “We are honored to continue delivering high-quality steel ships on schedule and on budget as part of our long-standing partnership.” He credited Austal’s focus on people and facilities for enabling the contract award.

Anthony Nigara, president of maritime at L3Harris, emphasized his company’s enthusiasm as the electronic and propulsion systems integrator, reaffirming its commitment to meeting the U.S. Navy’s mission requirements.

The TAGOS contract follows recent awards for other steel programs, including the U.S. Navy Towing and Salvage ship, Auxiliary Floating Drydock Medium and the U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter, Austal USA said.