The U.S. Navy selected the Damen LST 100 design as the basis for its new Landing Ship Medium (LSM) program.
The decision was made by Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which is seeking a platform that can operate in high-risk environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, and directly support Marine Corps operations in dispersed and challenging regions.
The goal of the program is to restore the ability to transport troops, vehicles and equipment directly to shore without relying on large ports or vulnerable infrastructure. To do this, the U.S. Navy prioritized already existing and proven designs so they could speed up construction in U.S. shipyards. During the evaluation process, the authorities were able to visit LST 100 units already in operation, which contributed to their selection.
Current plans call for up to 35 ships to be built in the United States, with Damen providing technical data and support to local shipyards. The company emphasized its long-term cooperation with the U.S. shipbuilding industry, saying that to date, more than 150 Damen-designed vessels have been built in the U.S., including patrol boats for use by the Coast Guard.
The LST 100 is approximately 100 meters long, can transport 282 people, and can perform a variety of missions, from helicopter operations and amphibious transport to humanitarian aid. The design will also be adopted by Australia in 2025, strengthening international acceptance and demonstrating the platform’s versatility across a variety of navies.
source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: Instagram @damenshipyards | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by our editorial team
