[sukhoi-30mki]

Isn’t the LCS a tad over-expensive for the anti-piracy role?? Besides, it’s just too big for the role compared to the average patrol-boat and OPV found elsewhere.

[GonzoGOP]

Isn’t the LCS a tad over-expensive for the anti-piracy role??

Less expensive than an Arleigh Burke class that we are using for the job off the coast of Africa now. As for size, anything smaller wouldn't be able to keep to sea in the Indian Ocean. You can't run into port during a storm since after the Cole they aren't safe.

[AFreeBird]

Given the vast areas, of several oceans, that pirates seem to operate in, it seems to me that patrol sized boats would not be adequate.

[Tallguy]

Isn’t the LCS a tad over-expensive for the anti-piracy role?? Besides, it’s just too big for the role compared to the average patrol-boat and OPV found elsewhere.

A couple of flotilla's of Patrol Hydrofoils (PHM's) along with a couple of Tender-Command Vessels would be more affordable and make more sense. Except that the Navy isn't interested in creating command opportunities for Lt.JG's when they could be creating sea-going commands for full commanders.

At these prices the first LCS that gets zapped by a silkworm missile or hits a cheap mine will trigger the withdrawal of the entire fleet the just as it did at Gallipoli in 1916.

[Oztrich Boy]

Isn’t the LCS a tad over-expensive for the anti-piracy role?? Besides, it’s just too big for the role compared to the average patrol-boat and OPV found elsewhere.

Yes on expense.

But for the price of one LCS you can get

two Absalon class Combat/Flexible Support Ships, each twice the size of an LCS, and they can do anti-piracy very nicely.