G&C to support functional design of MMSC
Gibbs & Cox (G&C) has received a contract from Lockheed Martin to support the functional design of Saudi Arabia's Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC), the company announced on 10 January.
Lockheed Martin's MMSC, a Freedom-class derivative, has been selected by the Royal Saudi Naval Forces to fulfill its MMSC requirement, with the US Navy and Saudi Arabia signing a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for four vessels in May 2017.
The MMSC is a lethal and highly manoeuverable multi-mission surface combatant capable of littoral and open ocean operation.
The design leverages the capabilities of the US Littoral Combat Ship and the inherent flexibility of the Freedom-class hull. The ship has a range of 5,000 nautical miles and can reach speeds in excess of 30 knots.
Chris Deegan, Gibbs & Cox president and CEO, said: 'G&C's 85 years of surface combatant design experience has supported many of the world's navies via foreign military sales. We look forward to working with Lockheed Martin to design the MMSC to meet the needs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.'
More from Naval Warfare
-
Khabarovsk submarine launch reflects Russia’s nuclear modernisation progress
The nuclear-powered vessel, which could carry the Poseidon autonomous torpedo – dubbed the “doomsday missile” – marks another step forward in Russia’s maritime defence push.
-
Anduril Australia shows first Ghost Shark for RAN at factory opening
The new underwater vehicle has been described as an “important deterrent” thanks to its ability to operate undetected for extended periods of time.
-
US Navy extends the deadline for submitting proposals for the Next Generation Logistics Ship
NAVSEA plans to select up to three suppliers for the concept design phase of the programme in Q2 FY2026.
-
Advances in USV technology help develop tomorrow’s hybrid fleet
As services like the Royal Navy and US Navy aim to develop hybrid fleets to reduce reliance on and dangers to crewed vessels, L3Harris, Metal Shark and Red Cat step forward.