US Navy orders LCS 29
The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) team has received a contract from the US Navy to build an additional Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 29), Lockheed Martin announced on 27 September.
LCS 29 is the 15th Freedom-variant LCS ordered by the US Navy to date. It will be built in Marinette, Wisconsin, at FMM, with construction to begin in first half of 2019.
The Freedom-class LCS is highly manoeuvrable, lethal and adaptable vessel designed to support missions including mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.
The Lockheed Martin and FMM team is in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant and has delivered seven ships to the US Navy to date, including two in 2018 – the future USS Sioux City and the future USS Wichita. There are currently seven ships in various stages of construction at FMM.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class]()
US Navy seeks suppliers for Landing Craft Utility 1700-class
With ongoing market research to find potential shipyards for building LCUs, NAVSEA intends to issue a request for proposals for the programme next year.
-
![Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS]()
Australia’s A$12 billion Perth shipyard upgrade offers positive sign for AUKUS
While the Australian government insists the investment is predominantly aimed at strengthening the country’s defence capabilities, the upgrade also bodes well for the AUKUS pact which Australia’s defence minister said “is going well”.
-
![DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology]()
DSEI 2025: Red Cat expands into USV production with focus on combat-proven technology
At DSEI 2025, Red Cat outlines its expansion from UAVs into uncrewed surface vessels (USVs), positioning itself as a multi-domain defence provider spanning land, sea, and air.
-
![Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract]()
Anduril Australia wins A$1.7 billion Ghost Shark XL-AUV contract
The vessels are expected to deliver a major boost to Australia’s undersea warfare capabilities, with production set to start immediately.
