Basically a LCS but if the ship itself was tested and worked. It's what the USN should have gotten 25 years ago, for the conops of the time.The first two ships will essentially be the same CG NSC painted in hazegray.
Whether the VLS will be included is to be seen/determined. The 4923 design does cater for it. If it does, it will be more than what the LCS offers. (Not in the current renders though, which shows no VLS and a 57mm) If not, it will be no more than what the LCS can do, just on a more reliable hull. Almost the same set of equipment (AN/SPS-77(V)3, SeaRam, NSM, likely similar EW).
The 2028 dateline... sounds more to meet the closing of the Trump administration, much like how they want to time NASA's moon landings to 2028.
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In contrast, look at the Indonesian Arrowhead 140 variant being named. Looks quite good. Every navy except the USA is moving forward
Indonesia names KRI Balaputradewa, first of their Arrowhead 140-derived frigates - Navy Lookout
Yesterday, in an unusual evening ceremony, the first Merah Putih-class frigate for the Indonesian Navy was formally named. This vessel is based on Babcock’s Arrowhead 140 product (for which the Type 31 frigate is the reference design) but fitted with mainly Turkish and Italian weapon and sensor...
