WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP)-- The Pentagon says the Navy will upgrade its troubled littoral combat ship program and build a more lethal fighting vessel that can better survive today's volatile security threats.
Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel approved the Navy's plan to build a new small surface combatant ship, which will have better air defense radar and electronic warfare systems and improved sonar, torpedo defenses and armor protection.
Marinette Marine in Marinette, Wisconsin has been contracted to build many of the littoral combat ships.
The decision comes in the wake of persistent criticism about the cost and viability of the $34 billion littoral combat ship program, including design and construction problems and budget overruns. Earlier this year Hagel cut the planned littoral ship buy from 52 to 32 and ordered a program review.