New Dry Combat Submersible

USSOCOM Declares Initial Operational Capability for Lockheed Martin’s New Dry Combat Submersible, WEST PALM BEACH, Fla., July 24, 2023.

U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) declared Initial Operational Capability for Lockheed Martin’s Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) last month.

This milestone represents a transformational capability for USSOCOM forces in Maritime and Undersea Systems.

The Dry Combat Submersible has the potential to transform undersea warfare for special operators. DCS provides safe, clandestine delivery for occupants over long distances in a completely dry environment and features a lock-in and lock-out chamber. Occupants arrive at the mission warm, rested, hydrated and ready, making this vessel a key advantage in mission success.
Gregg Bauer

C6ISR Vice President and General Manager, Lockheed Martin

A Deeper Dive

The special-purpose submersible, which will be deployed via surface ships rather than nuclear subs, has taken years to develop. With this capability, U.S. Special Operations Forces traveling extended distances below the surface of the ocean will be safe to do so without a wetsuit and without exposure to the elements. Due to the DCS’s lock-in/lock-out technology, special operators can get in and out of the vehicle while entirely submerged and undetected.

DCS is designed to transport a special operations team to their destination and enables personnel to arrive discretely to their desired exit point.

DCS is manufactured in Palm Beach, Florida. Sustainment operations will include lifecycle support, post-delivery logistics support, pilot and special operator training, and training equipment to ensure the safe and effective operation of the new capability in future special forces efforts.

 

The Lockheed Martin team is proud of the work that has gone into the development and delivery of DCS and supporting USSOCOM to this IOC milestone. We look forward to delivering the third DCS and supporting DCS into Full Operating Capacity, filling a critical gap for USSOCOM.

Jason Crawford

Senior Program Manager for Manned Combat Submersibles, Lockheed Martin

About Lockheed Martin

Headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, Lockheed Martin Corporation is a global security and aerospace company that employs approximately 116,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture.

integration and sustainment of advanced technology systems, products and services.

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