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
-
![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.
-
![US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica]()
US Coast Guard Cutter Polar Star’s 50-year service highlights capability gaps in Antarctica
Delays in the construction of the Polar Security Cutter – the future substitute for the Polar Star – are likely to prolong the ageing icebreaker’s service time even more, putting the USCG in a risky position.
-
![As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?]()
As Indonesia doubles up its order, who else is looking at the Arrowhead 140 frigate design?
The adaptable design of Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 frigate, already selected by the UK Royal Navy and Poland, has led to more orders from Indonesia while other countries continue to weigh it up.
