The United States Navy has awarded a maintenance and upgrade contract to BAE Systems for the USS Nitze (DDG 94), an Arleigh Burke-class missile interceptor destroyer. This assignment was reported by Defense Post, highlighting the ongoing modernization program for the vessel.
Public sources indicate the upgrade package is valued at about 145 million dollars, reflecting a comprehensive effort to extend the ship’s operational life and enhance its defensive capabilities.
Under the agreement, Nitze will be dry-docked at BAE Systems’ Norfolk, Virginia shipyard. The work focuses on preserving the underwater hull and refurbishing living quarters and associated accommodations for the crew.
In addition to hull preservation and interior updates, BAE Systems will implement improvements to the ship’s Aegis combat system and install new command and control equipment to bolster sensor fusion, battle management, and decision-making processes under combat conditions.
Contract activities are planned to commence in July 2023, aligning with an aggressive maintenance cadence designed to keep Nitze mission-ready in the increasingly contested maritime domain.
This project follows parallel maintenance efforts conducted by BAE Systems for other fleet units, including the USS Lassen (DDG 88) and USS Mustin (DDG 89), at shipyards located in Florida and San Diego, respectively. The enterprise underscores BAE Systems’ role in sustaining the Arleigh Burke fleet through modernization and lifecycle support.
Historically, the USS Nitze has operated as part of U.S. naval force deployments to deter regional threats, including deployments off the northeastern coast of Saudi Arabia intended to bolster air defense coverage. Recent regional developments include notable aerial incidents affecting critical energy infrastructure in the area, such as the Saudi Aramco facilities near the kingdom’s northeastern coast.