We've had many LCS threads before - the new missile systems (they are looking at several SSMs) are really going to upgun them. IMO add in some ESSM medium range SAM systems, the LCS when equipped with say something along that line in a decent SAM system, 2 20 missile VLS modules, the 2 30mm surface warfare package guns, along with the 57mm and Rolling Airframe battery - it's turning into a not terribly armed little ship. Still the survivability issues, but it's still fast as a thief still, and the Helo/Drone units are improving with the LCS program as well.
The fire and forget radar guided Hellfires = pretty good solution to small and even larger threats in numbers IMO. Kongsbergs new stealthy medium range SSM missile may be in the works for the LCS as well.
Baby steps, but hopefully the USN in 5 years will have a much more lethal LCS small frigate fleet. I still think a larger dedicated Frigate would be a good option, but much like the F35 program, so much has been invested, it's hard to just dump the whole program now.
An integrated air defense system including say the ESSM, RAM, 57mm, as well as a surface warfare package including the over the horizon Kongsberg missiles times 4 or 8 rounds, 20 or 40 rounds of Hellifires (reloadable launcher at sea), the 2 30mm guns, and the 57mm still - it's getting there in terms of having the firepower to compete with the threats it could face.
