US The Navy invests in the fifth American LHA 10 assault helicopter

November 16th, as part of the strategic strengthening of its maritime power, The U.S. Department of Defense decided to purchase America's fifth assault helicopter, designated LHA 10. This $130 million investment highlights the adaptation of the US Navy to new operational requirements.

A signed contract with the Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard company, headquartered in Pascalouli, Mississippi, opens the way for full funding and project implementation, with a planned completion by July 2028. Ship LHA 10part of the series Flight I, is referred to as an assault helicopter, which results from its main function – rapid deployment of impact forces and on-board aviation, in particular of helicopters and STOVL aircraft (Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing), such as F-35B Lightning II, capable of taking off from limited space or vertical take-off.

The most important change from prototype series units Flight 0 is redesigning the hull of the ship LHA 10. This modification allowed additional space to be developed on board for the landing dock. Such a dock is designed to carry landing barges, LCAC-type hovercrafts and amphibious aircraft, which increases ship functionality and extends its capability to carry out landing operations.

The name "attack helicopter" is derived from the role this ship plays in maritime operations. It is designed for rapid landing operations, capable of transferring, deploying and supporting helicopters and other light aircraft. This ability makes it a key element in the U.S. Navy's rapid response strategy, allowing effective conduct of assault operations in different environments.

Currently, in addition to working on LHA 10, Huntington Ingalls Industries shipyard continues to work on two other series ships – USS Bougainville (LHA 8) and USS Fallujah (LHA 9), which is an important part of the expansion of the U.S. Navy assault helicopter fleet. First funds for construction LHA 10 were awarded by the Congress of the United States in the summer of 2022, which confirms a continuous commitment to strengthen the naval strike force.

Batch Flight I, consisting of nine storm helicopters of the type America, is to replace older units of the type Tarawa and Wasp. This modernisation of the fleet demonstrates the decisive direction in the development of the US Navy, increasing its ability to conduct comprehensive naval and storm operations in a changing geopolitical environment.

Construction contract with HII LHA 10 is proof of the strategic evolution of the US Navy, which adapts its forces to modern operational and technological requirements, confronting new challenges in international waters.

Written by Mariusz Dasiewicz