Euronaval 2010: Saudi naval expansion examines LCS variant
The Saudi Arabian government is in discussions with the US Navy about the purchase of the Aegis combat system-equipped Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).
Orlando Carvalho, president of Lockheed Martin's MS2 division, told reporters at Euronaval in Paris that the Saudi Navy was looking at the purchase of eight LCS-variant ships, called Surface Combat Ships, equipped with the lightweight SPY-1F Aegis system as part of an expansion of the oil-rich state's naval forces.
They have also shown an interest in the ballistic missile defence (BMD) capabilities of Aegis.
Both Austal USA and Lockheed Martin are awaiting the outcome of the LCS
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