Naval Systems

Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship

The Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship is the U.S. Navy's steel monohull LCS-1 variant, built by Lockheed Martin with Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin for modular littoral warfare. In Red Sea operations, USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) became the first Freedom-class ship to receive a Combat Action Ribbon and was reported to have gained a counter-drone Hellfire upgrade during deployment.

Profile

Origin
United States
Built by
Lockheed MartinFincantieri Marinette Marine
Type
Freedom-variant littoral combat ship
Service note
2008-present
Designer
U.S. Navy / Lockheed Martin
Designed
2002
Produced
2002-2025
Number built
16
Variants
Freedom variant, LCS-1 variant, Odd-numbered hulls

Also Known As

  • Freedom variant
  • Freedom-class LCS
  • LCS-1 variant
  • LCS-1 class

Specifications

Length
118.1 m (387 ft)
Beam
17.6 m (57.7 ft)
Draft
4.3 m (14.1 ft)
Full load displacement
Approximately 3,450 metric tons
Propulsion
Combined diesel and gas turbine with steerable water jet propulsion
Speed
Greater than 40 knots
Core crew
40 sailors
Accommodation
Up to 75 sailors

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
In U.S. Navy service since 2008; the Freedom-variant production run ended with the 16th and final ship in 2025.
Used by
United States Navy
Wars
Red Sea Crisis

Conflict Usage

Side
🏳️Unspecified

U.S. Navy Littoral Combat Ship class, including Freedom- and Independence-variant LCS. USS Indianapolis (LCS-17) was involved in Red Sea combat-related missile/drone attacks in 2024, and LCS counter-UAS Hellfire upgrades were rushed because of Red Sea combat requirements.

Timeline

Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship Key Events

  1. LCS program launched

    The Navy said the Littoral Combat Ship program began in 2002 as a push for a fast, agile, and versatile littoral warship with modular mission packages.

    Sources: Littoral Combat Ship Class - LCS

  2. USS Indianapolis returns from deployment

    The Freedom-variant USS Indianapolis returned to Mayport after a deployment to the U.S. 5th Fleet, 6th Fleet, and 2nd Fleet areas of operations.

    Sources: Longest in the Fight - USS Indianapolis returns from deployment

  3. Navy rushes counter-drone Hellfire capability

    TWZ reported that Houthi threats in the Red Sea prompted the Navy to rush counter-drone AGM-114L Hellfire capability to the Freedom-class LCS force, with Indianapolis as the first ship upgraded.

    Sources: Littoral Combat Ship Can Now Rapidly Shoot Down Aerial Drones With Hellfire Missiles

Freedom-class Littoral Combat Ship Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources