Lockheed Martin has secured a potential $1.05-billion contract to integrate the Integrated Combat System across the US Navy and US Coast Guard fleet.
The initial $23-million contract includes system engineering and software integration.
It is expected to be completed in September 2024 and, if all options are exercised, work will continue through 2030.
Lockheed was one of two contenders for the contract. The second contender was not identified.
Integrated Combat System
The system will replace the US naval fleet’s multiple combat systems, enabling scalability.
The US Navy’s fleet of destroyers, cruisers, and littoral combat ships are currently equipped with different variants of the Lockheed Aegis Combat System, whereas the service’s amphibious ships and aircraft carriers are outfitted with Raytheon’s Ship Self-Defense System.
A common system would allow the service to introduce and integrate new capabilities across the fleet faster and at less cost: through software upgrades rather than hardware installations.
Separate Development Efforts
The Integrated Combat System (ICS) effort includes separate software and hardware development.
“The Software Program designs, develops, and supports ICS software capabilities in support of mission execution for surface ships. The Hardware Program designs, procures, and supports the shipboard computing infrastructure, consoles, and peripherals for sailor interface with, and hosting of, the ICS software,” according to a US Navy source sought notice.