Bring on the Frigate: LCS Is Outgunned, Outclassed

Real Clear Defense ^ | March 6, 2014 | William A. Price

[C19fan]

The future of the littoral combat ship is anything but certain.

In January, Acting Deputy Secretary of Defense Christine Fox issued a classified memo ordering the Navy to reduce planned purchases of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) from 52 to 32. In a preview of the FY15 defense budget proposal, Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel backed that decision saying he was “concerned that the Navy is relying too heavily on the LCS to achieve its long-term goals for ship numbers.” Hagel directed that the Navy begin studying “alternative proposals to procure a capable and lethal small surface combatant, consistent with the capabilities of a frigate.”

[Smartisan]

Couple of suggestions:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khareef-class_corvette

Might be a bit light for what you’re after, in which case, what about a joint build with the UK on its Global Combat Ship?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_Combat_Ship

Elsewhere in Europe, there are any number of decent ideas from Dutch and German firms.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holland_class_offshore_patrol_vessels

[Mariner]

"Right now, we are sending a much larger, 1.2 billion dollar SSN in to do that role...and in the littorals"

They don't belong there, are sitting ducks while there and they cost about $2bil last report I read for a new Virginia Class.

The DDG-51's (Burke) are now up to $1.2bil and nearly 10,000 tons.

Makes no sense to me why any of these vessels are within 100miles of any coast but ours.