Lockheed Martin to begin production of MMSC
Lockheed Martin has received an Undefinitised Contract Action (UCA) contract from the US government for the production of multi-mission surface combatant (MMSC) for Saudi Arabia.
The $450 million contract, announced on 20 July, entails the detailed design and planning for construction of four MMSCs that will be built at Fincantieri Marinette Marine shipyard in Marinette, Wisconsin.
MMSC utilises the COMBATSS-21 combat management system, built from the Aegis combat system common source library, enabling anti-air and anti-surface capabilities in a small surface combatant platform.
Joe DePietro, VP, Lockheed Martin Small Combatants and Ship Systems, said: ‘The MMSC provides the Royal Saudi Naval Forces a lethal and highly manoeuvrable multi-mission surface combatant, which features the flexibility of the Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship steel mono-hull with expanded capabilities that include an integrated Mk41 Vertical Launch System, an increased range of 5,000 nautical miles and speeds in excess of 30kt, making it capable of littoral and open ocean operation and able to confront modern maritime and economic security threats.’
In March 2018, Lockheed Martin was awarded $481 million for long lead material for MMSC.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026]()
European navies line up $105.8 billion in unawarded contracts for 2026
France, Germany and Italy lead the way on unawarded naval defence opportunities that could be awarded this year, but across Europe countries are ramping up their spending efforts to face geopolitical challenges.
-
![Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies]()
Spain’s F100 upgrade mirrors Aegis modernisation paths in allied navies
The Spanish Navy’s Alvaro de Bazan-class of air defence frigates will receive the latest Aegis Weapon System technology among other modernisations to extend the service life to 2045.
-
![UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns]()
UK’s Fleet Solid Support ship programme deemed on track despite steel supply concerns
Shipbuilders are saying the programme is going ahead on time as the government estimates 7.7 million tonnes of steel are needed for 2026 infrastructure projects.
-
![Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant]()
Raytheon unveils details of its proposal for the US Navy/NATO ESSM Next Significant Variant
In an exclusive interview with Shephard, Raytheon’s VP of Shipboard Missiles disclosed what improvements the company plans to offer for the Sea Sparrow NSV.
