Saudi naval expansion examines LCS variant

Euronaval ^ | 10/26/2010 | Tony Osborne

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

combat system-equipped Littoral Combat Ship (LCS).

Orlando Carvalho, president of Lockheed Martin's MS2 division, told reporters at Euronaval in Paris that the Saudi Navy was looking at the purchase of eight LCS-variant ships, called Surface Combat Ships, equipped with the lightweight SPY-1F Aegis system as part of an expansion of the oil-rich state's naval forces.

They have also shown an interest in the ballistic missile defence (BMD) capabilities of Aegis.

Both Austal USA and Lockheed Martin are awaiting the outcome of the LCS programme. Lockheed Martin is offering its Freedom-class single hull vessel, while Austal is competing with its Independence-class trimaran.

A decision on the chosen design is now expected towards the end of the year. The second Freedom-class ship, the USS Fort Worth, is 70% complete and should launch on 4 December.

On the company's stand at Euronaval is a model of the LCS equipped with the Aegis system, featuring the SM-2 missile vertical launch systems fitted into the superstructure just forward of the helicopter deck.

[ErnstStavroBlofeld]

Ping

[BocoLoco]

Here comes Ottoman Empire II, and we idiots in the West allowed this to happen by saving “our” oil in the Middle East. No, we PAID for it to happen. Heck we’re still paying them to regain their strength. There’s nothing finer than coddling past enemies.

Sheesh, Americans and Europeans are really stupid. It’s no wonder we almost lost our hides to the turks back in the 16th century.