Northrop to deliver two LCS mission packages

The US Navy has awarded Northrop Grumman a contract to deliver two additional Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) mission packages, the company announced on 2 February.

The $21.6 million contract will see Northrop as the mission package integrator. One package will be for surface warfare and the other for mine countermeasures.

The various mission modules contain capabilities that directly support surface warfare, mine countermeasures and antisubmarine warfare, which are the three primary missions of the LCS. These mission modules facilitate efficient debarkation/logistics support, mission package operations at-sea and mission package embarkation.

Doug Shaffer, director, electronic attack/maritime systems integration programmes, Northrop Grumman, said: 'As more LCSs enter service, the navy-Northrop Grumman team has stepped up to make sure the mission modules are available when needed to achieve initial operational capability.'

Northrop Grumman has delivered three surface warfare and mine countermeasures LCS mission modules so far. It is currently producing a fourth mine countermeasures module, which is due for delivery in 2015. Northrop has also begun production of the fourth and fifth modules, which are due for delivery in early 2015.