Lockheed team announces LCS 25 contract

Lockheed Martin's industry team has been awarded a fully-funded contract from the US Navy to build the Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 25, it announced on 1 April.

The contract award includes funding for systems integration, sea-frame construction and testing.

The navy has exercised an option from its block buy contract to build the additional Freedom-class LCS. LCS 25 will be the 11th ship procured under the 2010 block buy contract and the 13th Freedom-class variant overall. LCS 25 is scheduled to be delivered to the navy in 2020.

The Lockheed Martin-led industry team is in full-rate production of the Freedom-class LCS, having delivered three ships of the type to date. Seven ships are in various construction stages at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin, and three more are in long-lead production.

Joe North, vice president and general manager of littoral ships and systems, Lockheed Martin, said: 'We are proud to continue our partnership with the US Navy to build and deliver the capable Freedom-class LCS to the fleet.

'Over 12,000 people and 500 suppliers in 37 states contribute to this critical programme and will continue to do so as we transition to the new Freedom-class frigate in the coming years.'