Keel laid for the future USS Beloit
Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine marked the construction of Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) 29, the future USS Beloit, with a keel laying ceremony at the Marinette facility on 22 July.
To date, four Freedom-variant LCS have deployed to support US Navy presence and peacekeeping missions, with LCS 7 (USS Detroit, pictured) partnering with a US Navy destroyer to serve interdiction missions in the US Southern Command Area of Responsibility in May this year.
The vessel is the fifteenth Freedom-variant LCS and will join a class of more than 30 ships in service. The Beloit is one of six LCS in various stages of construction and test at the Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard.
The Freedom-variants are designed to deliver capability in ASW, ASuW and mine countermeasure missions.
In addition, some LCS are being upgraded with the Naval Strike Missile to increase lethality, with future installations of improved EW and ECM under development.
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms]()
Baltic naval priorities shift towards mine warfare and versatile platforms
Baltic states are investing in mine warfare, uncrewed systems and multirole platforms as major warship purchases remain scarce, industry sources indicate.
-
![India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships]()
India’s mine countermeasure drive triggers rush of new partnerships
Parallel procurement pathways for crewed mine countermeasure vessels and uncrewed systems underline a shift towards next-generation mine warfare for the Indian Navy.
-
![Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era]()
Finland’s naval sector eyes growth opportunities in NATO era
Finland’s naval industrial base is expanding as NATO membership, Baltic Sea security concerns and proximity to Russia push shipbuilders and equipment makers to capture new roles.
-
![Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers]()
Force renewal in the Royal Canadian Navy opens long-term opportunities for suppliers
Canada's ambitious naval modernisation plans are creating major maritime procurement opportunities, with future programmes also promising long-term work for domestic and international shipbuilders.
