Choppy waters for LCS
The survivability and lethality of the US Navy’s troubled Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) programme has again been called into question in a GAO report released on 18 December.
A total of 40 LCS vessels, down from 52, will now be built from one shipyard for the US Navy after an intervention by US Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter. Plans had originally called for 52 vessels in two Freedom and Independence-class variants constructed by Lockheed Martin and Austal USA, while six LCS have been commissioned into service.
Last month Lockheed Martin began work for the US Navy's fifteenth LCS at
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027]()
US Navy to conduct an experimentation campaign with emerging tech in 2026 and 2027
The Technology Operational Experimentation Events will inform future requirements as the US Navy looks for innovative solutions across three key operational domains.
-
![US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection]()
US Navy to acquire micro-uncrewed underwater vehicles for ISR and coastal data collection
The Naval Supply Systems Command is seeking authorised resellers of JaiaBot uncrewed underwater vehicles and multivehicle pods. The platforms will support undergraduate education at the US Naval Academy.
-
![NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios]()
NATO tests use of “undetectable, jam-proof” laser communication in maritime scenarios
As part of its effort to better prepare its capabilities for operations in contested and congested scenarios, NATO evaluated a Lithuanian ship-to-ship terminal designed to not be susceptible to enemy interference.
-
![US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme]()
US Navy advances with the Harpoon Service Life Extension Programme
The US Navy plans to improve Harpoon’s anti-ship and land attack capabilities by equipping the missiles with sensors and technologies required for succeeding in future battlespace.
