WASHINGTON - The Navy plans to put its Naval Strike Missile (NSM) on 31 of its 35 Littoral Combat Ship(s) within the next year and a half, while adding an anti-submarine module on 15; and 15 others with anti-mine warfare capabilities. The quickened pace of upgrades – which will depend on funding - is a sign that the sea-service's concern about being outgunned by the Chinese surface and submarine fleets. CNO Adm. Mike Gilday presented testimony to the House Appropriations defense subcommittee, which was his strongest words about the LCS fleet. LCS has struggled to find its spot in the fleet after its original plugged-in mission modules failed to develop. But CNO told the committee April 29 that “we’re very bullish on LCS” moving forward. However, the Freedom class LCS has major propulsion problems. The Navy stopped accepting delivery of those Lockheed Martin-built LCS while the company fixes the issue on all 16 ships. The FY 2022 defense budget is not expected until at least May. Although, Senate Armed Services Committee Chairman Jack Reed said his committee won’t begin markups until July, a delay usually done in May. The delay will leave the month of May open for hearings. (Source: Breaking Defense 04/29/21) Senate work on the annual defense authorization bill will be delayed until mid-summer because of the ongoing wait for President Joe Biden’s federal budget outline, a delay that could complicate a host of military personnel policy and procurement plans. GULF COAST NOTE: The Independence class LCS is built by Austal USA's shipyards in Mobile, Ala. Navy Unveils Surprise Plan For Littoral Combat Ships « Breaking Defense - Defense industry news, analysis and commentary
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