First phase of US Navy’s LSM program kicks off

April 16, 2026, by Fatima Bahtić

Fincantieri has announced that its US subsidiary received a $30 million contract for materials procurement and engineering activities for the US Navy’s Medium Landing Ship (LSM) program, formally initiating the first phase of the program and representing the first concrete step toward its execution.

As informed, the agreement covers the first four vessels under the 35-vessel program. Fincantieri Marine Group (FMG) will execute the construction of four units.

Two shipyards to build new medium landing ships for US Navy

Vessels

The award supports the immediate procurement of long lead time materials and the execution of engineering and critical industrial and production readiness activities for the first four vessels, enabling a start of construction as early as Q4 2026.

Fincantieri noted that this step represents a material acceleration for the LSM program and precedes a future award of construction contracts through the Vessel Construction Manager (VCM) model, subject to applicable approvals and contractual arrangements.

“The award of this contract represents an important step in the evolution of our long-standing partnership with the U.S. Navy. It reflects the confidence placed in the industrial capabilities built in the United States and in our ability to support complex naval programs with discipline, speed, and technical excellence,” Pierroberto Folgiero, CEO and Managing Director of Fincantieri, stated.

The LSM program is a foundational element of the US Navy’s fleet and of the US Marine Corps’ force design, enabling distributed operations, enhanced littoral mobility, and the rapid maneuver and sustainment of forces in contested environments.

By adopting the VCM model, the US Navy is reshaping naval shipbuilding through the application of commercial best practices, parallel production, and disciplined industrial execution, it was stated.