Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services win US MDA contract for new missile range instrumentation vessels

Hanwha Philly Shipyard (HPSI) and TOTE Services have been awarded a contract to deliver the US Missile Defence Agency's (MDA) new Missile Range Instrumentation Vessels (MRIVs), supporting the Golden Dome missile defence programme.

Under the agreement, TOTE Services will serve as vessel construction manager (VCM) for the programme, while Hanwha Philly Shipyard, located in Philadelphia, will carry out the construction.

Contract Announcement

The award was made public at the christening of Lone Star State, the latest National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) in Philadelphia.

US Office of Management and Budget director Russ Vought stated: "It is thus my honour to announce the awarding of a contract to build the newest Missile Range Instrumentation Vessel 'Golden Defender' right here in Philadelphia under the combined management of Hanwha Philly and TOTE Services as the vessel construction manager.

"This new ship will not only support the President's policy of restoring America's Maritime Dominance, but also support the President's 'Golden Dome' missile defence system over the entirety of our nation. Golden Defender will serve the Missile Defence Agency in this mission."

Programme Background

The appointment of a VCM for the MRIV programme coincides with increased federal attention on strengthening the US maritime industrial base, as shipbuilding capacity is being treated as a national security concern.

The MRIVs are set to replace the Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, two ships originally constructed in 1965 and 1970, respectively, and currently serving as platforms for missile range instrumentation and monitoring activities.

Collaboration and Construction Model

Both Hanwha Philly Shipyard and TOTE Services are continuing their collaboration following recent work on the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) programme managed by the US Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The MRIV project will replicate the same VCM model used on the NSMV class, which is intended to provide:

• Greater oversight
• Improved cost control
• Stronger schedule adherence

The vessels will be constructed using an established commercial hull design and with a workforce that has grown substantially at Hanwha Philly Shipyard, in part due to ongoing government shipbuilding programmes.

The shipyard's existing supply chain and active production lines developed during the NSMV project are expected to support efficient construction and integration of new mission systems for the MRIVs.

Programme Management and Timeline

The programme is being managed in coordination with the Department of Transportation, Department of War, and MDA as an interagency initiative.

Timelines for the delivery of the vessels have not been confirmed, but TOTE Services stated that the first MRIV is scheduled by 2030.

Economic and Operational Impact

The order is expected to sustain and potentially expand shipyard employment in Philadelphia, supporting the broader effort to revitalise US shipbuilding.

The new ships will eventually take over tracking and support duties from their aged predecessors, underpinning the next stage of missile defence testing and operations.

Credit: TOTE Services LLC.