HII has received a $283 million US Navy contract to begin early work on the new FF(X) class frigates through its Ingalls Shipbuilding division. The contract covers design, material procurement, and pre-construction activities for the first ship.

Based on the proven Legend-class cutter design, the FF(X) program aims to deliver smaller, more agile warships to complement the Navy’s fleet, with construction supported by expanded shipbuilding capacity and ongoing infrastructure investments.