Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 2:28:32-2:28:48

Can Littoral Combat Ships fill the US Navy's ASW gap?

Littoral Combat Ships receive only a qualified endorsement for ASW, with the Constellation-class frigates preferred as the longer-term answer.

Anti-Submarine WarfareConstellation Class FrigatesLittoral Combat ShipUS Navy
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Question

Can Littoral Combat Ships serve as an interim US Navy anti-submarine platform?

Short answer

They are adequate as an interim option, while Constellation-class frigates are preferred for the longer term.

Notes

Littoral Combat Ships receive only a brief assessment: they are considered adequate for ASW, while Constellation-class frigates are preferred as the longer-term force. The limited response does not support a detailed platform comparison or a claim that LCS offers the same capability as the planned frigate.