Bath Iron Works cleared to build second Arleigh Burke destroyer in FY27

The U.S. Department of Defense has certified that General Dynamics Bath Iron Works in Maine has the production capacity to build a second Arleigh Burke-class guided-missile destroyer in fiscal year 2027. The certification follows a multi-phase review of the shipyard’s production flow, schedule performance, quality assurance, workforce, and supply network resilience.

Senator Susan Collins, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, announced that the decision follows her advocacy for additional funding after the administration initially proposed only one destroyer for the FY27 budget. The construction of the additional vessel remains contingent on Congress securing the necessary funding.

Bath Iron Works President Charles Krugh stated that the announcement reflects the shipyard’s success in improving shipbuilding efficiency, noting that the facility has been delivering destroyers to the Navy faster than previous vessels. The shipyard currently has 11 destroyers under contract.