The United States Navy has chosen the LST 100 design from Damen Shipyards as the basis for its new Landing Ship Medium (LSM) program.
The decision was made by the Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA), which is seeking a platform capable of operating in high-threat environments, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, directly supporting Marine Corps operations in dispersed and contested scenarios.
The goal of the program is to restore the capability to transport troops, vehicles, and equipment directly to shore without relying on large ports or vulnerable infrastructure. For this, the Navy prioritized an existing, proven design, allowing construction to be accelerated at U.S. shipyards. During the evaluation process, officials were able to visit an LST 100 unit already in service, which contributed to the selection.
Under current plans, up to 35 vessels could be built in the United States, with Damen providing technical data and support to local shipyards. The company highlighted its long-standing cooperation with the U.S. shipbuilding industry, noting that more than 150 vessels designed by Damen have already been built in the country, including patrol vessels used by the Coast Guard.
Measuring just over 100 meters in length, the LST 100 can carry 282 personnel, operate helicopters, and perform missions ranging from amphibious transport to humanitarian assistance. The design was also adopted by Australia in 2025, reinforcing its international acceptance and demonstrating the platform’s versatility for different navies.
Source: UK Defence Journal | Photo: Instagram @damenshipyards | This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team
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