U.S. Navy Commits $280.5 Million to Seven LCU 1700 Craft
The U.S. Navy has signed agreements with three shipyards to build prototypes of the LCU 1700, a next-generation landing craft utility, as it expands the production base for the class. According to the Navy, the initial construction obligations total $280,521,389.
The move is intended to reduce reliance on a single shipyard and accelerate follow-on production of the LCU 1700 by running multiple production lines simultaneously.
Conrad, Master Boat Builders and Saronic Take Part
The participating shipyards are Conrad Shipyard in Orange, Texas; Master Boat Builders in Coden, Alabama; and Saronic Technologies in Brownsville, Texas.
The Navy has tasked each shipyard with building two to three LCU 1700 prototypes, using the construction process to refine production plans and manufacturing procedures. The total order covers up to seven craft, while the individual allocation for each shipyard was not disclosed.
LCU 1700 to Replace Aging LCU 1610s
The LCU 1700 is being developed to replace the existing LCU 1610 class, which has been in service for more than 50 years. The landing craft will transport troops, vehicles, equipment and cargo between ships and shore during Navy and Marine Corps amphibious operations.
According to USNI News, the LCU 1700 will be about 139 feet long and displace approximately 425 tons when fully loaded. It will have a crew of 13 and be designed to carry two M1A1 tanks or about 350 fully equipped troops.
The Navy plans to give the LCU 1700 compatibility with existing vessels, improved reliability, and greater payload capacity and operating range.
Deliveries to Begin in Late 2028 After Prototype Construction
According to the Navy, deliveries under the agreements are scheduled to begin in late 2028 and continue through 2029. The service will first validate the production-ready technical data and manufacturing plans developed during prototype construction before transitioning to high-rate follow-on production.
In August 2026, the U.S. Navy took delivery of the LCU 1710, the first vessel in the LCU 1700 class, from Austal USA. The agreements with the three shipyards are focused on expanding the supply chain and the U.S. shipbuilding industrial base by adding production sites to the existing construction capacity.
In announcing the agreements, the Navy said using multiple shipyards would establish a “second source” for landing craft and reduce the risk of production bottlenecks. The strategy is expected to improve the availability of amphibious support forces while expanding defense-industry participation among small and nontraditional U.S. shipbuilders.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q. What is the LCU 1700?
A. The LCU 1700 is the U.S. Navy’s next-generation landing craft utility, designed to transport troops, vehicles, equipment and cargo between ships and shore.
Q. What is the size of the LCU 1700 program?
A. The initial construction obligations total $280,521,389, or approximately $280.5 million.
Q. How many LCU 1700 craft will be built?
A. Each of the three shipyards will build two to three craft, for a total of up to seven prototypes.
Q. Which shipyards are participating in the program?
A. Conrad Shipyard, Master Boat Builders and Saronic Technologies are participating.
Q. When will the LCU 1700 craft be delivered?
A. Deliveries under the agreements are scheduled to begin in late 2028 and continue through 2029.
