US Navy orders LCS 31
The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) team has received a contract to build the 16th Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship (LCS 31) for the US Navy, Lockheed Martin announced on 15 January.
The LCS gives the navy the ability to counter small boats, submarines and conduct mine countermeasure operations close to the shore. The LCS class consists of two variants, the Freedom variant and the Independence variant. The Freedom variant team is led by Lockheed Martin and the Independence variant is led by Austal USA.
Joe DePietro, vice president and general manager, Lockheed Martin small combatants and ship systems, said: ‘We are excited to continue our partnership with the US Navy and FMM to build and deliver capable ships to the fleet. With the Freedom-variant in serial production, we continue to enhance efficiency and incorporate capability while maintaining ship and programme affordability.’
Work on this contract is expected to be complete by February 2026.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition]()
Suppliers await next step in Australia’s mine warfare transition
Australia’s mine countermeasure capability remains in flux as the Huon-class nears retirement, but accelerated investment in autonomous systems is opening a path for industry.
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
