U.S. Navy Moves Forward with New Medium Landing Ship Program
The U.S. Navy has officially selected the LST-100 design from Dutch shipbuilder Damen as the basis for its new class of Medium Landing Ships (LSMs), aiming to take delivery of the first vessel by 2029. The announcement, made via a social media video on December 5, 2025, marks a key milestone in the Navy’s efforts to modernize its amphibious capabilities and support evolving Marine Corps expeditionary concepts.
Background: Strengthening Amphibious and Distributed Operations
The LSM initiative is part of a broader push to enhance the Navy and Marine Corps’ ability to operate in dispersed, contested environments—particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. Historically, Navy shipbuilding programs have faced delays and cost overruns, prompting officials to emphasize operational efficiency and fiscal discipline in the selection of the LST-100 platform. The planned fleet will eventually include 35 LSMs designed to transport smaller Marine units across islands and coastal regions without relying on established port infrastructure.
Design and Capabilities of the LST-100-Based LSM
The LST-100 measures roughly 328 feet (100 meters) in length with a beam of 52.5 feet (16 meters) and can reach speeds of up to 14 knots. The vessel features clamshell doors in the bow and a stern loading ramp for direct beach access, allowing rapid deployment of personnel, vehicles, and cargo. A deck-mounted crane at the bow facilitates handling of large payloads within the hull, while a flight deck at the stern supports rotary-wing aircraft such as the NH-90.
The ship can accommodate up to 234 troops and offers approximately 11,000 square feet (1,020 square meters) of roll-on/roll-off cargo space. Standard operations are managed by a crew of 18 personnel, ensuring a balance of efficiency and capability for extended missions.
Secretary of the Navy John Phelan highlighted the LST-100’s suitability for the Navy’s requirements, stating, “This is an operationally driven, fiscally disciplined choice that puts capability in the fleet on a responsible timeline.” Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle and Marine Corps Commandant Gen. Eric Smith also endorsed the selection as a key step in implementing distributed maritime operations.
Strategic Impact and Next Steps
Construction of the first LST-100-based LSM is expected to begin in 2026, with delivery targeted for 2029. The new class of ships will significantly expand the Navy’s amphibious transport capacity, enabling rapid movement of Marine forces in geographically dispersed theaters. By integrating medium landing ships into fleet operations, the Navy aims to provide more flexible support for expeditionary operations and improve responsiveness in regional contingencies.
The LSM program also reflects a shift toward modular, multi-role platforms capable of supporting a variety of missions beyond traditional amphibious assaults, including humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and joint exercises with allied forces.
Closing
The Navy’s selection of the LST-100 for its Medium Landing Ship program underscores the service’s commitment to operational readiness and modernized amphibious capabilities. As the first ships enter production in 2026, analysts and policymakers will closely monitor their integration into fleet operations and their impact on distributed maritime strategy.
