LCS In-Service Modernization

LI 1604 - LCS In-Service Modernization is a Navy budget line item focused on the modernization and maintenance of the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) fleet. The primary objective is to ensure that both Independence and Freedom variants of LCS remain operationally effective, safe, and capable of meeting evolving mission requirements throughout their expected service lives. The program supports planned Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) availabilities, including two years of planning and long lead time material procurement. It covers a wide range of ship changes related to safety, cybersecurity, habitability, obsolescence, reliability, command and control, and communications.

MT002 - LCS Class Design Improvements aims to enhance the design and operational reliability of LCS ships by installing a Combat Systems and C4I Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) System. This system monitors and collects maintenance data from key components such as SPS-75 and SPS-77 Radars, MK-49 RAM, and MK-110 Gun, with the capability to transfer data ashore for analysis via a Virtualized Data Transport System (VDTS). The Program Office is also researching the expansion of CBM monitoring to additional ship systems, which would further improve predictive maintenance and reduce unplanned downtime.

MT003 - LCS Maintenance Modernization funds the back-fit, upgrade, and obsolescence changes for both LCS variants. The modernization construct is organized into seven categories: Safety, Targeted Performance Enhancement, Obsolescence, Advanced Engineering Control System (AECS), Communication, Hull, Mechanical and Electrical (HM&E), and Navigation. Each category addresses specific needs, such as installing Man Overboard Indicator (MOBI) systems for safety, upgrading electric plant control systems for performance, replacing obsolete video display hardware, refreshing AECS software, enhancing shipboard communications, and modernizing navigation equipment. The scope of work is tailored to each hull's configuration and scheduled availability.

MT004 - LCS Lethality and Survivability provides funding for hardware procurement and installation of a common Combat Management System (CMS) using Government Furnished Equipment (GFE). This includes technical support data, cybersecurity upgrades, and integration of systems such as the Total Ship Computing Environment (TSCE), MK-20 Electro-Optical Surveillance System, Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program, Nulka, MK-160 Gun Computer System, and Data Links (for Independence variant only). The goal is to establish a unified combat system baseline across both LCS variants, improve system commonality with other surface combatants, and enhance warfighting capability.

MT005 - LCS Combat System Modernization addresses modernization of LCS combat system hardware and software not covered by Lethality and Survivability upgrades. This includes development and procurement of Engineering Change Proposals (ECPs), Ship Change Documents (SCDs), and initial outfitting spares for critical systems. The objectives are to mitigate obsolescence, improve system performance and safety, address diminishing manufacturing sources, and reduce maintenance turnaround times. These efforts are coordinated with the official CNO availability schedule and are critical for maintaining combat readiness and deployment capability.

The FY 2026 budget request for LI 1604 supports procurement and installation activities during upcoming CNO availabilities. The request reflects adjustments to planned upgrades, such as limiting Lethality and Survivability installations to specific hulls and reprogramming others for future years. Installation funding is distributed over a three-year period, covering design, ship checks, ship installation drawings, logistics documentation, and long lead time material procurement.