Ship Communications Automation

The Medium Landing Ship (LSM) Program is a key initiative within the Navy's FY 2026 Shipbuilding and Conversion budget, specifically under Budget Activity 03: Amphibious Ships. The primary objective of this program is to procure a new class of medium-sized landing ships that will enhance the Navy and Marine Corps' ability to conduct distributed maneuver and logistics operations. These operations include Distributed Maritime Operations (DMO), Littoral Operations in a Contested Environment (LOCE), and Expeditionary Advanced Base Operations (EABO), all of which are essential for supporting the Marine Littoral Regiment (MLR). The LSM is designed to fill the operational gap between large, multipurpose amphibious warfare ships and smaller landing vessels. It provides tailored logistics, power projection, and strike capabilities.

The budget line item justification for the Medium Landing Ship supports efforts required for the future award of the lead ship in the LSM class. The procurement strategy leverages authorities granted in Section 128 of the FY 2025 National Defense Authorization Act, allowing the Navy to acquire an existing design and construct Non-Developmental Vessels (NDV) under the LSM Block 1 procurement. The program aims to procure nine ships, as detailed in Section 20002 (Shipbuilding) of the Reconciliation Exhibit.

The FY 2025 funding breakdown includes several specific cost categories. Plan costs cover preliminary design activities, engineering support, and contract design work necessary to prepare for ship construction. Electronics costs support the integration of advanced systems required for the ship's operational capabilities. Additional funding is allocated to other costs, which include Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) development for Block 1, American Bureau of Shipping (ABS) commercial design evaluation, and other engineering support activities.

The design and acquisition process for the Medium Landing Ship began with a preliminary design phase from January 2022 to August 2022. The Request for Proposals (RFP) for the lead ship was issued in January 2024 and completed in June 2024. The program is classified under cost estimate classification F, indicating a preliminary stage of cost estimation based on available design and planning data. The Navy's approach is to utilize a commercial design evaluated by ABS, which is expected to expedite procurement and reduce development risks.

The Medium Landing Ship's characteristics include a length overall of 370.7 feet, a beam of 48.2 feet, a displacement of 2,662 long tons, and a lightship draft of 12 feet. These specifications are tailored to support the operational requirements of the Marine Littoral Regiment, enabling the ship to deploy logistics, support power projection, and facilitate strike operations in contested littoral environments. The ship's design supports distributed maritime operations and the establishment of expeditionary advanced bases, which are central to the Navy and Marine Corps' evolving operational concepts.

The justification for the LSM program centers on the need to modernize and expand the Navy's amphibious capabilities to meet emerging threats and operational demands. By procuring medium landing ships with commercial designs, the Navy aims to achieve cost efficiencies, accelerate delivery timelines, and enhance flexibility in amphibious operations. The program supports the strategic objectives of maintaining maritime superiority, enabling rapid response to crises, and supporting joint force operations in contested environments.