The US Navy is considering equipping its amphibious ships with offensive weapons to increase their utility in future conflicts.
The topic is ‘in hot debate,’ said US Marine Corps MajGen David Coffman, the navy’s director of expeditionary warfare.
While declining to discuss specific weapons the service is mulling, Coffman noted that the idea of installing a vertical launching system (VLS) on amphibious transport docks (LPDs) has been floating around for years.
LPDs, which are designed to transport and land marines, equipment and supplies, currently have Rolling Airframe Missile launchers to defend against anti-ship missiles. The Mk41 VLS, which is
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Indonesia is looking to introduce a variety of vessels to meet particular requirements both operational and geographic and is building ties with Turkey as part of the effort.
The DIU is seeking low-cost, COTS capabilities and technologies to analyse naval environments and increase the safety for personnel and infrastructure.
The US Navy has been preparing to award a contract for the refurbishment of MK 41 VLS on board USN vessels and other military type ships.
The growing presence of Beijing’s vessels in the Arctic has been challenging the US, while the Coast Guard still struggles with ageing platforms and delayed acquisition programmes.
The Philippines has turned to regional neighbours Japan and South Korea in a effort to boost its naval fleet with new and ex-Japanese ships. The bonds between the countries is an acknowledgment of the rising power of China and the continued manoeuvres of the Asian giant throughout the region.
The NAVSEA is carrying out market research and will conduct industry days in August to identify potential providers for the DDG MOD 2.0 stage.
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