TOTE Services awards contract for US missile tracking vessels

TOTE Services has awarded a construction contract to Hanwha Philly Shipyard to build a new missile-range instrumentation vessel (MRIV) for the US Missile Defense Agency (MDA). This follows a construction management agreement between TOTE Services and the US Maritime Administration (MARAD).

The subcontract includes one firm vessel with options for two additional ships. These vessels are designed to monitor missile interception tests over the Pacific Ocean, collect critical mission data, and assist with range safety operations. They are intended to replace the aging Pacific Tracker and Pacific Collector, which were built in 1965 and 1970.

The MRIV design utilizes the National Security Multi-Mission Vessel (NSMV) platform, sharing 70 per cent overall commonality. The first vessel, referred to by White House Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought as ‘Golden Defender’, is scheduled for delivery by 2030. The program represents a US$2 billion investment in maritime defense capabilities.