According to Defensenews, Lockheed Martin is showcasing its LCS version to the Middle East.Saudi Arabia is understood to be interested in an LCS ship equipped with the Aegis battle management system, as part of its naval needs. France is keen to sell the Franco-Italian designed FREMM multi-mission frigate to the Saudi Navy.
The two first-of-class LCS vessels being built by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman cost around $400 million per ship, including development. It was too early to talk of the unit price for the LCS, Trice said.
French naval company DCNS estimates the average price of a French FREMM frigate at 280 million euros ($411 million), based on a 17-ship buy for the French Navy.
Northrop Grumman is mentioned because of its management suite, specifically because it is the integrator of the mine warfare system and the LCS hull. Saudi Arabia is looking for 3 small ships that can each act as a surface combatant but additionally act as a mine warfare command ship.
In the past Saudi Arabian interest has been focused on the General Dynamics version of the LCS. As far as I have heard, this is the first mention of Saudi Arabia mentioned to be looking at the Lockheed Martin version of the LCS.
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