"Navy ramping up LCS procurement to deter Russians" Topic

USN is ramping up LCS production. Just because they don't work doesn't mean you shouldn't buy more of them.

And their supposed enemy in the Pacific is Russia…what is this 1986?!?

They talk about new variants and modules but most of them still don't work or exist (and in any case offer poorer capability than older frigates let alone current competitors).

link

This particular line is moronic:

A larger and well-armed surface fleet of Navy LCS ships, able to drop sonar, launch drones to hunt submarines, shoot deck-mounted guns, and even fire Raytheon's over-the-horizon longer-range Naval Strike Missile, can introduce previously unavailable tactical options for Maritime Commanders in high-risk coastal areas.

Wow they can shoot deck mounted guns. Such a revolution!

Frigates such as those retired en masse could do this both in littoral and deep seas whilst being able to defend themselves (longer range SAMs) and withstand a hit (LCS is built to civilian standards).

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Meanwhile Navy wants to retire 7 Ticonderoga class cruisers in 2022 and more in near future (total of 11 retired/placed in reserve by 2026). There is no cruiser replacement set to enter service until near end of this decade assuming program isn't cancelled or delayed as has been happening recently.

And no, they won't introduce 7 new Arleigh Burkes to replace the 7 retired cruisers. In any case an Arleigh Burke doesn't have same capabilities as Ticos especially in command role.

LOL !!!

That'll just encourage them, getting us to waste BILLIONS on unarmed/underearmed, naval yachts.

What's not to love from the Russian perspective.

Brilliant, swapping out Ticos for LCS' – what's not to love, unless you are a USN sailor, or a patriotic American who thinks a strong navy is important.

Also the Russian Navy is a bit player in the Pacific. It's the Chinese Navy which you have to worry about.

You're not allowed to say the PLAN is anything to worry about, it's all Evil Russia or nothing.