Description
The Surface Warfare (SUW) Mission Package (MP) installed on the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) provides fleet protection from small boats and other asymmetrical threats including Counter-Unmanned Aerial System (C-UAS) protection. The SUW MP can also be used to provide operational security in interdiction missions and can provide defense against shore attacks while operating in the littorals. These capabilities, when joined together, permit the ship's crew and the fleet commander to operate with confidence and to address threats to the fleet while operating in the littorals and other confined ocean areas. The SUW MP augments the core LCS sensor and weapons capabilities with gun, missile, and aviation systems, providing a layered defense capability for rapidly detecting, tracking and pursuing potential threats. Ultimately, this MP enhances the safety of the Sailors while allowing the mission commander to maintain operational flexibility.

Features

The Surface Warfare Mission Package (SUW MP) includes several key components. The Gun Mission Module (GMM) MK 50 MOD 0 employs the MK 46 MOD 2 Gun Weapon System with a MK 44 MOD 2 30mm Automatic Cannon, capable of using all Navy-qualified 30mm x 173mm ammunition. The system features 400 rounds in the turret, two ready service magazines with 240 rounds each, and three shipping containers, integrating with the Mission Module Command-and-Control (MM C2) and Mission Package Computing Environment (MPCE).

The Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) MK61 Mod 0 includes the Longbow Hellfire (LBHF) surface-to-surface missile systems, a launcher system with self-contained fire control (including MK333 with 12 Hellfire missiles each, totaling 24 Longbow Hellfire missiles), a hatch system, support structure, module service panels, a gas management system, and a modular control computer. This module also integrates with Mission Modules Command and Control (MM C2) and Mission Package Computing Environment (MPCE) and comes with three shipping containers. Originally fielded to both variants of LCSs as counter to Fast Attack Craft and Fast Inshore Attack Craft (FAC/FIAC), its lethality has quickly evolved to ship-to-shore precision strikes. In May 2022, USS Montgomery (LCS 8) participated in JADED THUNDER, a Joint Combined Arms exercise. LCS 8 outfitted with its SSMM showcased its firepower and target acquisition abilities with LBHF missiles in a ship-to-shore attack, destroying a land-based target from the littorals.

C-UAS capabilities were rapidly fielded to the Fleet with the installation of vertically launched LBHF missiles on the USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) for operations in the Red Sea part of C5F Fleet’s area of responsibility (AOR). The U.S. Army previously deployed the LBHF for a similar C-UAS role in their Maneuver Short-Range Air Defense system.

The Aviation Module, which includes the MH-60R Helicopter, is equipped with two MK299 MOD 2 launchers carrying eight Hellfire missiles, a GAU21 .50 caliber machine gun, and an M240 7.62mm machine gun. Additionally, the module includes two support containers and two MQ-8 Vertical Takeoff Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with one support container. This module integrates seamlessly with the MM C2.

The Maritime Security Module provides two 11-meter Rigid Hull Inflatable Boats (RHIBs) with cradles and parts, as well as Visit, Board, Search, and Seizure (VBSS) gear for boarding teams. Finally, the Mission Package C2 Application Software (MPAS) offers mission-specific application software that supports the SUW MP in planning and executing Surface Warfare missions.

Background
The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is a fast, agile, mission-focused platform designed to operate in near-shore environments, winning against 21st-century coastal threats. The LCS is capable of supporting forward presence, maritime security, sea control, and deterrence. With Mission Modules (MMs), the LCS counters surface and mine threats to assure maritime access for the Joint Forces and provides Combatant Commanders (COCOMs) with modular and focused capability. The underlying strength of the LCS lies in its innovative design approach, applying modularity for operational flexibility.

Mission Packages (MPs) were created as part of the LCS in response to an ever-changing threat environment and identification of warfighting gaps in the littorals. A MP is semi-permanent consisting of Mission Modules (MMs) and support aircraft with aviation sailors. MMs combine mission systems (vehicles, sensors, and weapons) and support equipment that is installed into the seaframe via standard interfaces. Thus, a MP fielded onboard an LCS is described in three layers:

• Mission Systems = Vehicles, Sensors, and Weapons
• Mission Module = Mission Systems + Support Equipment + Standard Interfaces
• Mission Package = Mission Modules + Aircraft and aviation crew detachments

The Mission Package Computing Environment (MPCE) is the primary interface that enables the MP to work on the ship. The MPCE is a permanently installed equipment shipset on each LCS hull.

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) SUW MP increases the Fleet’s firepower and offensive and defensive capabilities against large numbers of highly maneuverable, fast, and small craft surface threats. The SUW MP gives the LCS the ability to protect sea lanes and move a force quickly through a chokepoint or another strategic waterway. 

The SUW MP attained Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in November 2014 following the successful completion of Initial Operational Test & Evaluation (IOT&E). The Surface-to-Surface Missile Module (SSMM) achieved IOC in 2019. The Navy accepted delivery of five SSMM production units in 2024. The SSMM is currently supporting deployments on USS Indianapolis (LCS 17) and USS Minneapolis-Saint Paul (LCS 21). The program continues to work with the Fleet to experiment and demonstrate new capabilities within the SUW MP in support of emerging Fleet requirements including Counter Unmanned Aerial System (CUAS). SUW MP is currently operating in the 4th, 5th, and 7th Fleets area of responsibility.

Combating Transnational Criminal Organizations
The SUW MP is used in various counter-narcotics missions with an embarked U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) Law Enforcement Detachment (LEDET). SUW MPs and its components support 4^th Fleet operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific to interdict narcotics operations and strengthen Latin American maritime partnerships.