littoral combat ship Archives

The Freedom-class littoral combat ship USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) sails with two T-38 Devil Ray unmanned surface vessels (USV) and an Arabian Fox MAST-13 USV, all attached to U.S. Naval Forces Central Command’s (NAVCENT) Task Force 59, during exercise Digital Talon 2 in the Arabian Gulf, Nov. 27, 2023. (U.S. Army photo by Sgt. Marita Schwab)

Saronic asks court to halt Navy O&S contract for small maritime drones, LCS mission modules

In a new bid protest, the Texas-based defense startup alleges the Navy’s solicitation contains terms that “unduly restrict competition.”

Apr 1, 2026 By Brandi Vincent

A Low-cost Unmanned Combat Attack System (LUCAS) successfully launches from the flight deck of the Independence-class littoral combat ship USS Santa Barbara (LCS 32) while operating in the Arabian Gulf on Dec. 16. (U.S. Army photo by Spc. Kayla Mc Guire)

A first, the Navy launches one-way-attack drone from a ship at sea

“This first successful launch of LUCAS from a naval vessel marks a significant milestone in rapidly delivering affordable and effective unmanned capabilities to the warfighter,” said Vice…

Dec 19, 2025 By Drew F. Lawrence

PHILLIPPINE SEA (March 25, 2022) — Sailors assigned to the Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) and the “Blackjacks” of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron (HSC) 21 prepare an MQ-8B Fire Scout for takeoff. (U.S. Navy photo by Mineman 1st Class Philip Dalton)

USS Charleston’s maiden deployment supported drone flights, mine countermeasure training

The Navy’s Independence-variant littoral combat ship USS Charleston (LCS 18) completed its 26-month maiden deployment, which involved multiple "first-time" achievements for the sea service.

Jun 22, 2023 By Brandi Vincent