Why retired Freedom-class LCS hulls are difficult to transfer

Why are prematurely retired Freedom-class littoral combat ships unlikely to be sold to partner nations?

Their maintenance and crew burden, sensitive technology, refit cost, and existing hull problems leave very few acceptable and willing buyers.

The panel's 2024 assessment gives retired Freedom-class littoral combat ships poor prospects for foreign transfer. Their maintenance and crew demands make them expensive gifts for a smaller partner navy. Sensitive modern equipment further limits which countries Congress might approve, while removing and replacing that equipment would add another major bill. Known hull and machinery problems reduce the value of accepting those costs. Reserve status or scrapping therefore appears more plausible than a straightforward foreign military sale.