USS Little Rock delivered to US Navy
Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) have delivered the fifth Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) to the US Navy, the company announced on 25 September.
The future USS Little Rock is scheduled to be commissioned in Buffalo, US, later this year.
The ship completed acceptance trials last month. During sea trials, the industry team also successfully demonstrated performance improvements which will be integrated into all future Freedom-variant LCS.
Jan Allman, president and CEO, FMM, said: ‘Today's important milestone for LCS 9 was made possible by the investment and improvements made to our serial production line, which allowed us to realise our vision for a full flex shipyard.
‘FMM shipbuilders are proud to deliver this proven warship, and we look forward to working with the US Navy to continue building these highly capable ships for the fleet.’
The Lockheed Martin and FMM team is currently in full-rate production of the Freedom-variant of the LCS, and has delivered five ships to the US Navy to date. There are seven ships in various stages of construction at FMM, with one more in long-lead production.
More from Naval Warfare
-
![US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations]()
US Navy to develop an undersea networking capability to support UUV operations
The NEREUS project aims to enhance and expand the US Navy’s existing communications systems, enabling crewed/uncrewed seabed and subsurface missions.
-
![How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities]()
How the Hedge Strategy will impact the US Navy’s future capabilities
The US Navy Hedge Strategy is intended to provide a lethal, modular and cost-effective fleet while accepting Washington’s fiscal and industrial constraints.
-
![US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo]()
US Navy and Raytheon explore additional applications for Mk 58 CRAW torpedo
Designed as an anti-torpedo and anti-submarine capability, the USN and RTX foresee the Compact Rapid Attack Weapon’s potential for deployment from surface ships and aerial and uncrewed platforms.
-
![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.
