Lockheed laid keel for LCS 15
Lockheed Martin has laid the keel for the US Navy's fifteenth Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) at Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin, the company announced on 2 November.
The LCS 15 is the future USS Billings. Like the rest of the fleet, the vessel will be outfitted with interchangeable mission modules to conduct various missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and mine countermeasures.
The industry team building Billings has delivered three ships and has seven other ships in various stages of construction and testing. The future USS Milwaukee (LCS 5) is due to be commissioned in Milwaukee on 21 November.
Joe North, vice president of littoral ships and systems, Lockheed Martin, said: ‘The LCS platform is proving the navy's concept of operations with its flexibility in supporting a broad range of missions, from anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare to mine countermeasures. This industry has shown it can adapt to meet the navy's most challenging missions, anywhere in the world.’
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities]()
US Coast Guard sets sail in search of robotics and CUAS capabilities
The USCG has been increasing efforts to accelerate the process to develop, procure, deploy and sustain autonomous and counter-uncrewed systems across its fleet.
-
![Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win]()
Managing risk in a changing world: how the Royal Navy can win
A fighting force such as the Royal Navy must inevitably focus on its core capabilities, platforms and readiness. But to avoid unexpected outcomes and costly oversights, a complex organisation like this needs to be underpinned by sound enterprise-level risk management principles and systems.
-
![Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)]()
Defending the Fleet: Naval air defence in the drone era (podcast)
In an era of swarming drones, proliferating missiles and saturation attacks, naval air defence must combine cutting-edge effectiveness with low cost per intercept. Israel’s Rafael is applying its long expertise to help navies adapt to emerging threats, while looking to a future of laser technology – and beyond.
-
![US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme]()
US Navy outlines next steps of the Aegis modernisation programme
The US Navy intends to enhance the integration and lethality of the Aegis capabilities onboard its cruisers and destroyers.
-
![Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist]()
Austal signs long-delayed shipbuilding pact as industry risks persist
Austal signs long-delayed Strategic Shipbuilding Agreement, but schedule risks and programme delays still loom over Canberra’s naval plans.
