BAE Systems secures Self Defense Test Ship overhaul contract

The Self Defense Test Ship, ex-USS Paul F Foster (EDD 964), will be overhauled. (US Navy)

BAE Systems San Diego Ship Repair business has been awarded a USD22 million firm-fixed-price contract to overhaul the US Navy's (USN's) Self Defense Test Ship (SDTS) ex-USS Paul F Foster (EDD 964).

Awarded on 15 December by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Port Hueneme Division (PHD), the fiscal year (FY) 2024 Selected Restricted Availability (SRA) will see the SDTS subject to pier-side maintenance, repair, and alterations.

Managed and operated by NSWC PHD in California, the SDTS provides an at-sea engineering, test and evaluation asset employed for the purpose of conducting advanced live-fire weapons evaluation without the risk to personnel. The platform – a converted former Spruance-class destroyer adapted for remote operation – has also been used for testing new systems and technologies, such as biofuels.

NSWC PHD issued a solicitation in April 2023 for the execution of the FY 2024 SRA. This called for an eight-month programme of maintenance work, running from mid-April to mid-December 2024, culminating in sea trials and the delivery of a ‘mission-ready' asset.