Lockheed team launches 13th LCS
An industry team led by Lockheed Martin has launched the 13th Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) - the future USS Wichita - into the Menominee River at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard, Lockheed Martin announced on 17 September.
The Freedom-class LCS variant will now undergo additional testing and outfitting at Fincantieri Marinette Marine before it is delivered in 2017.
The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is in full-rate production of the Freedom-class variant, with three ships in long-lead material procurement stage and six under construction.
The Freedom-variant’s steel monohull is based on a proven, survivable design recognised for its stability and reliability. With 40 percent reconfigurable shipboard space, the hull is designed to accommodate additional lethality and survivability upgrades associated with the Freedom-variant frigate.
More from Defence Notes
-
Companies post mostly rosy results but warn of potential dark clouds
First quarter 2025 results have been dropping for companies in the past week but many of the US results come with a health warning in their forward-looking aspects about the potential impact of actions by the Trump administration.
-
Spain unveils new multi-billion euro defence investment plan
The new plan outlined how Spain would reach 2% of its GDP spend on defence by 2025, with €1.9 billion earmarked for new equipment acquisition with several land, naval and air platforms disclosed to be replaced or upgraded.
-
New Zealand boosts defence spend to US$6.6 billion and vows increased closeness with Australia
This budget will be spent over the next four years and nearly doubles the country’s defence spending as part of GDP to 2%.
-
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
Avalon 2025: Australian defence budget meets the low expectations of show attendees
The Australian Budget was marked by tax cuts and a looming general election which led to little hope that there would be a substantial defence boost even with a big bill for nuclear submarines due.
-
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.