Damen Shipyards Group has confirmed that its Landing Ship Transport 100 design has been selected by the US Navy as the basis for its new Landing Ship Medium programme.
The design was chosen by Naval Sea Systems Command as the preferred platform for a class of up to 35 vessels intended to support US Marine Corps operations in contested environments, particularly across the Indo Pacific. The Medium Landing Ship programme is aimed at restoring the Navy’s ability to move troops, vehicles and equipment directly ashore in dispersed and high threat conditions. To accelerate delivery, the Navy sought a non developmental design that could be built rapidly at American shipyards.
Damen said the LST 100 met that requirement, having already been constructed and delivered into service. NAVSEA officials were able to visit an operational vessel during the assessment process. The selection follows a Request for Information issued in early 2025, with Damen later receiving a Technical Data Package award in July. That package enabled detailed evaluation of the design ahead of its formal adoption as the baseline for the future LSM class.
Under current plans, all ships will be built in the United States, with Damen providing design data and technical support to domestic yards. The company said this model builds on decades of cooperation with US industry, noting that more than 150 Damen designed vessels have already been constructed in America, including the US Coast Guard’s Sentinel and Protector class patrol ships.
The LST 100 has also been selected internationally. In 2025, Australia confirmed the design for its Landing Craft Heavy programme, with up to eight vessels planned to be built by Australian shipyards. The ship measures just over 100 metres in length and is designed to carry personnel, vehicles and cargo across multiple decks. In its standard configuration it can accommodate 282 personnel, operate helicopters from its flight deck and conduct a wide range of missions including amphibious transport, patrol, reconnaissance and humanitarian assistance.
Alan Borde, Damen’s Area Manager for the Americas, said the company welcomed the decision.
“We are delighted at NAVSEA’s selection of the LST100 for its LSM programme,” he said. “We are very much looking forward to continuing our cooperation with American shipyards during the construction of these vessels in the coming years.”
He added that the design had already proven itself in service and was well suited to the operational needs of the US Navy.
How long until they cancel this one, chaps…?
exactly what i was thinking 🙂
We should scrap the MRSS and purchase 6 of these instead. If we opt for the extended version with a hangar then it can easily perform a lot of humanitarian roles as well in the Caribbean.
We already have two massive floating air fields able to operate dozens of helicopters. Combined with these vessels and a new point class replacement we can conduct any amphibious operation required. We can put the savings into getting the T32 frigate program back on.
You realise T32 AND MRSS are both almost dead programs, well be lucky to get one (MRSS) let alone both!
Someone hasnt been paying attention to the RMs future deployment plans clearly.
Does remind me of the Roundtable class, but with a pointier bow.