Lockheed Martin to Integrate Layered Laser Defense Weapon Aboard LCS

The $22.4 million contract, calls for the integration, demonstration, testing and operation of the Layered Laser Defense (LLD) weapon system prototype onboard a Navy littoral combat ship while that vessel is underway.

The U.S. Defense Department contract notice further details that: “Key areas of work to be performed include development of a prototype structure and enclosure to protect the LLD from ships motion and maritime environment in a mission module format; system integration and test with government-furnished equipment; platform integration and system operational verification and test; systems engineering; test planning; data collection and analysis support; and operational demonstration. Work is expected to be complete by July 2021.”

Freedom-class LCS "Lethality and Survivability Upgrade". This scale model was showcased by Lockheed Martin at SNA 2020. — Freedom-class LCS “Lethality and Survivability Upgrade”. This scale model was showcased by Lockheed Martin at SNA 2020.

Our colleagues from USNI News reported in January this year that USS Little Rock (LCS-9) would receive a laser weapon during its upcoming deployment, citing Commander of Naval Surface Forces Vice Adm. Richard Brown.

At SNA 2020, the Surface Navy Association’s national symposium held earlier this year, Lockheed Martin was showcasing a Freedom-class LCS scale model fitted with a laser weapon system. Chris Cavas interviewed for Naval News Joe DePietro, Lockheed Martin Vice President and General Manager of Small Combatants and Ship Systems, about the model: