The lead ship of the Freedom-variant of LCS, USS Freedom (LCS 1). Credit: Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class James R. Evans.

The Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine (FMM) team has received a fixed-price-incentive-fee contract from the US Navy to build an additional Freedom-variant Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

The partners will build LCS 31 in Marinette, Wisconsin, at FMM naval shipyard. They intend to benefit from capital investment and improvement in the shipyard as well as efficiencies resulting from serial production to ensure quality and affordability.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

So far, the US Navy has ordered 16 Freedom-variant LCS vessels, including the LCS 31.

Lockheed Martin Small Combatants and Ship Systems vice-president and general manager said: “We are excited to continue our partnership with the 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 program affordability.”

According to Lockheed Martin, the Freedom-variant LCS production programme supports more than 7,500 direct and indirect jobs in Michigan and Wisconsin.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.
"With the Freedom-variant in serial production, we continue to enhance efficiency and incorporate capability while maintaining ship and program affordability."

Lockheed Martin and FMM have delivered seven Freedom-variant ships to the US Navy to date. A further seven ships are said to be in various stages of construction at FMM.

The LCS, which is highly manoeuvrable, lethal and adaptable, was originally designed to be deployed in support of focused missions such as mine warfare, anti-submarine warfare and surface warfare.

The Lockheed Martin and FMM team continues to incorporate new capabilities based on Navy operational testing, sailor feedback and fleet deployments.

The vessel is equipped with new technology and capability to support current and future mission capability from deep water to LCSs.

Construction of LCS 31 is expected to begin in the second half of this year.