Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Defence
  • /
  • BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract to upgrade USS Boxer

Defence

BAE Systems awarded US Navy contract to upgrade USS Boxer

BAE Systems has received a $200.3 million contract from the US Navy to drydock and perform nearly 18 months of maintenance and modernisation work aboard the amphibious assault ship USS Boxer (LHD 4).


Courtesy BAE Systems / US Navy photo gallery (navy.mil)

The drydocking of USS Boxer will be the first time the company’s San Diego shipyard will use its 950-foot-long Pride of California drydock to service a large-deck warship. The shipyard is currently nearing completion of another major milestone for the drydock: the first simultaneous docking of two guided-missile destroyers on the West Coast.

Advertisement
ODU RT

BAE Systems’ San Diego shipyard will begin working aboard the 843-foot-long USS Boxer in June 2020. Under the awarded contract, BAE Systems will upgrade the ship to support and operate Joint Strike Fighters on-board; perform hull, tank and mechanical work; and make other shipboard improvements.

The shipyard is expected to complete its work aboard the 25-year-old ship in December 2021. The contract includes options that, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value to $207.48 million.

Advertisement
ODU RT

Last October, BAE Systems simultaneously docked the USS Stethem (DDG 63) and USS Decatur (DDG 73). The guided-missile destroyers are scheduled to be re-floated together from the Pride of California drydock later this spring. The Pride of California, the largest drydock in California, is capable of lifting more than 55,000 tons.

 

Advertisement
General Atomics LB
RIAT 2026 cancelled

Aerospace Defence Security Events

RIAT 2026 cancelled

22 May 2026

This year’s Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) will now not be taking place, cancelled due to issues regarding access to the event - at RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire - amid concerns over conflict in the Middle East.

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

Aerospace Defence Security Space

ADS appoints Andy Williams Director of ADS Scotland

22 May 2026

ADS, the trade association for the aerospace, defence, security and space industries, has announced the appointment of Andy Williams as Scotland Director.

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

Aerospace Defence Security Space

King’s College London and Cranfield University propose merger

22 May 2026

King’s College London and Cranfield University have announced that the two universities have signed an agreement as the first step towards a merger, with the aim of bringing the two institutions together from August 2027, which will support UK national capability and resilience.

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

Defence

QinetiQ expands testing capacity at MoD Portland Bill

22 May 2026

QinetiQ has increased the capacity of its vessel testing facility with the addition of a new water tank that will enable larger uncrewed mine hunting vessels’ magnetic fields to be measured and lowered to counter underwater threats.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

Defence

Hexagon boosts large-volume inspection productivity

22 May 2026

Hexagon’s Portable Metrology Division has introduced a new wireless probe that adds contact measurement to its high-speed HYPERSCAN large-volume laser scanning system, improving productivity during alignment, inspection and reporting.

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

Defence

BAE Systems Bofors completes Aston Harald acquisition

21 May 2026

BAE Systems Bofors, which signed a purchase agreement to acquire Swedish supplier of precision mechanics and advanced component machining for aerospace and defence products, Aston Harald Mekaniska Verkstad AB in February 2026, has now completed the acquisition.

Advertisement
ODU RT
Advertisement
Hexagon leaderboard