Drone strikes have also been relatively effective at limiting collateral damage compared to other strike options—reducing deaths among both civilians on the ground as well as U.S. servicemembers who might otherwise take part in a ground raid. Needless to say, a more precise missile will only serve to keep lowering civilian casualties.
This week’s announcement was a positive step for LCS mission module programs, which have have been plagued with development delays and certification snafus.
Named after the fourth-largest city in Iowa, the Sioux City will become the 13th LCS to join the fleet and the sixth of the Freedom-class variant built by the team of Lockheed Martin and Fincantieri Marinette Marine in Wisconsin.