WDS 2024: Multi-Mission Surface Combatant MMSC by Lockheed Martin.

At the World Defense Show (WDS) 2024, the spotlight on Lockheed Martin's Multi-Mission Surface Combatant (MMSC) also served to underscore Saudi Arabia's ongoing naval modernization efforts.
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Lockheed Martin's Multi-Mission Surface Combatant at WDS 2024. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)

Drawing from the U.S. Navy's Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) program, specifically the Freedom variant, the MMSC is tailored for both littoral and open ocean missions. The design of the MMSC, based on the Freedom-variant LCS’s 118-meter hull, includes a combined diesel and gas propulsion system. This allows the ship to achieve a range of 5,000 nautical miles and speeds over 30 knots, focusing on operational range and mobility for various maritime tasks.

Equipped with the COMBATSS-21 Combat Management System, derived from the Aegis Combat System Software library, the MMSC is designed for interoperability within joint and allied naval operations. This feature aims to ensure the vessel can operate effectively within multinational maritime security efforts.

The addition of the MH-60R SEAHAWK® helicopter enhances the MMSC's capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare, providing a versatile tool for a range of naval operations.

This helicopter, which is part of the U.S. Navy's current assets and capable of operating from multiple naval platforms, contributes to the MMSC’s ability to respond to various threats.

The armament of the MMSC includes a variety of weapons systems intended for diverse missions. This encompasses Over-The-Horizon surface-to-surface missiles, 20 mm remote guns, a new fire control radar, and an 8-cell MK 41 Vertical Launch System, expected to be equipped with Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM), to offer a comprehensive threat response capability.