Marine Corps Arms Surface Ships With New Multi-Domain Attack Missiles

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

Island hopping attack, multi-domain operations and transportable, expeditionary weapons are all key Concepts of Operation informing the Marine Corps deterrence and conflict preparation strategy for the Pacific theater.

The Corps has established special “littoral” units for the specific purpose of refining an ability to conduct warfare operations in coastal and island areas throughout the Pacific such as the island chains in the South China Sea. As part of this, the Corps’ Marine Corps Force Design 2030 document calls for specific “stand-in” ready forces capable to conducting offensive operations in close proximity to enemy areas within the larger perimeter reach of longer-range weapons.

This transition, which includes a Corps emphasis on multi-domain operations and expeditionary weapons systems, has inspired the service to work with industry partners to anticipate future threats and requirements. For instance, forward operating “stand-in” forces will, according to Force Design, operate with a much greater concentration of drones, unmanned systems and manned-unmanned teaming to ensure mobile ISR and targeting and sustain connectivity with stand-off forces and other command and control nodes. Stand-In forces will also need self-protective capabilities and offensive firepower typically less available to mobile, dismounted, island-hopping units. These kinds of mission challenges, threats and operational expectations form much of the inspirational rationale for the Marine Corps emerging Light Amphibious Warship.

The Operational Concept is to enable closer-in, faster, lighter and more expeditionary amphibious operations and quickly transit weapons and Marines from island to island or along littoral coastal areas without needing to risk a larger, more vulnerable footprint. Quick landings and close-in-ship-to-shore operations will be required to a much greater extent should the Corps find itself in need of protecting or taking over island chain, littoral and coastal areas.

Warrior Analysis of Why US Navy Submarines Could Save Taiwan

These kinds of tactical scenarios drive a need for multi-domain, expeditionary weapons systems, one reason why Corps industry partners have sought to be enterprising and anticipate future service warfighting requirements. For example, Raytheon has been working with the Corps on a land-fired variant of the well-established ship-fired Naval Strike Missile.