Small Surface Combatant

"On 24 February 2014, Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel directed the Navy to submit alternative proposals for a new surface combatant comparable to a frigate that can operate in all regions under conflict conditions. In response to Pentagon direction to halt LCS purchases at 32 ships, the Navy is re-examining the vessels' role, such a whether they have enough protection and firepower to survive against advanced adversaries, and alternate proposals which included a modified LCS or a new platform.