LCS 1 USS Freedom

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin [NYSE: LMT]

As part of a modernization drive by the US Navy aiming to incorporate recent advances in naval stealth technology, land attack capabilities, and hull design; the industrial might of the US defense industry has spawned a new class surface combat ships: The Littoral Combat Ship. Littoral is an adjective used to describe the coastal regions of any body of water, as intended to convey the new ships intention to establish preeminence in these areas, both foreign and domestic. The Navy contracted with both General Dynamics and Lockheed Martin to develop designs that will compete to become the main US Navy LCS. Lockheed Martin completed their ship, the LCS1 USS Freedom in September 2006, while the General Dynamic’s LCS2 USS Independence is still under construction. These ships will be extremely fast and lethal, with highly advanced radar and missile systems designed for both offense and defense. Likewise, the ships are intended to be deployed with mission-specific “modules” for conducting anti-mine, anti-submarine, and surface ship-to-ship warfare. Once the two ships are completed and deployed in sea trials and war games, the Navy will likely choose the advantageous aspects from both designs and compile them to create one of the deadliest surface combat ships in the world.

LCS 2 USS Independence

Manufacturer: General Dynamics [NYSE: GD]