Ingalls Shipbuilding Wins $283 Million FF(X) Frigate Lead Yard Support Contract
Ingalls Shipbuilding has secured a $283 million U.S. Navy contract to perform lead-yard support for the new FF(X) class frigate, funding procurement of long-lead material, design work and pre-construction activities. The award follows Ingalls’ December 2025 selection to design and build the class leveraging its Legend-class cutter expertise.
1. Contract Award and Scope
Ingalls Shipbuilding has received a $283 million contract to perform lead-yard support activities for the Navy’s FF(X) class frigate, authorizing procurement of long-lead materials, execution of design work and initiation of pre-construction for the first ship.
2. Pre-Construction and Design Activities
Under the contract, Ingalls will begin cutting and shaping raw materials, establishing the main structural foundation and sequencing plans to ensure a seamless transition from design to full production using proven manufacturing processes.
3. Infrastructure Modernization
To meet growing Navy demand, Ingalls has invested more than $1 billion in modernizing facilities, infrastructure and toolsets, enhancing capacity across its DDG 51 Flight III, LHA, LPD and Zumwalt-class modernization lines.
4. Strategic Importance of FF(X)
The FF(X) will be a smaller, agile surface combatant designed to complement larger multi-mission warships; Ingalls’ role follows its December 2025 selection to design and build the class based on Legend-class cutter expertise.