The US Navy is advancing the new Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program—smaller, beachable ships for distributed island-hopping logistics—using a Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) model intended to speed procurement by borrowing commercial shipbuilding practices. While not a battlefield-proven innovation yet, it represents a notable shift in amphibious lift design and acquisition approach aimed at Indo-Pacific operations.
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navalside: natofirst seen 2024-12-01
US Navy Medium Landing Ships (LSM) program uses commercial VCM approach
SOURCES
- Defense News · https://www.defensenews.com/industry/techwatch/2026/07/14/navy-awards-tote-22-billion-to-build-medium-landing-ships/Navy awards TOTE $2.2 billion to manage Medium Landing Ships project