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.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA]()
Taiwan multiplies mine-layer vessel and UAV inventories to deter PLA
Taiwan is strengthening its deterrence against the PLA through an asymmetric arsenal that includes fast mine-laying vessels and domestically developed UAVs.
-
![L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts]()
L3Harris expands footprint across Europe via Everest NL and new contracts
L3Harris is targeting European naval modernisation with new uncrewed surface vessels, SATCOM partnerships, and regional investments including defence exercises and facility openings.
-
![Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS]()
Interview: DSTA collaborates with Leonardo, Thales and Safran for naval C-UAS
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, DSTA chief Ng Chad-son outlines how the agency is reshaping defence tech development through deeper collaboration with industry partners, from AI-enhanced radar to smart naval munitions.
-
![BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft]()
BAE Systems to collaborate with Umoe Mandal on Type 26 frigate and Littoral Strike Craft
The agreement is intended to boost opportunities for both UK and Norwegian naval shipbuilding.
-
![How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions]()
How the Force Design 2028 will impact US Coast Guard acquisitions
The FD 2028 strategy intends to reduce the bureaucracy in procurement processes while speeding up the field of assets.
-
![Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA]()
Thin-line towed arrays on uncrewed vessels deliver more cost-effective sonar, says SEA
Miniaturisation of technology opens up radical sensing technologies to smaller navies under submarine threat, according to SEA sonar expert.
