Perth-based shipbuilder Austal has received a timely boost from the US Navy by securing a fresh $780 million contract.

The Australian Financial Review reports the Pentagon announced over the weekend WA company had been picked to supply an additional Littoral Combat Ship, ahead of Lockheed Martin's variant.

Launch of USS Omaha, one of Austal's Littoral Combat Ships built for the US Navy.

It's the 14th combat ship Austal has been contracted to build, and 26 Independence class ships could be landing on the shipbuilder's order sheet all up. Austal has delivered five vessels already, with a sixth soon to be handed over.

"It continues to show that Australian shipbuilding can be world class and we are continuing to win orders in the toughest market," Austal chief executive David Singleton told The Australian Financial Review.