The Future of Special Operations: A Look at the Dry Combat Submersible

After decades of anticipation and relentless pursuit, the Navy SEALs‘ long-awaited dream of a “dry” mini-submarine capability has finally become a reality. This transformative achievement marks a groundbreaking milestone in undersea warfare as the Navy attains the ability to transport SEALs in a completely pressurized cabin.

The arrival of this cutting-edge mini-submarine represents a game-changing advantage for the elite forces, empowering them to execute missions with unparalleled stealth, precision, and readiness.

Transforming Undersea Warfare

Lockheed’s Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) has reached a significant milestone, with the U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM) declaring Initial Operational Capability last month. This achievement marks a transformative capability for USSOCOM forces in Maritime and Undersea Systems, revolutionizing undersea warfare for special operators.

The DCS provides a game-changing advantage, offering safe, clandestine delivery for occupants over long distances in a completely dry environment, and features a lock-in and lock-out chamber that enables operatives to arrive at their mission fully prepared and undetected.

.@LockheedMartin’s Dry Combat Submersible recently achieved Initial Operational Capability. DCS is built to enable operators to arrive on the mission safe, dry and rested.

— Lockheed Martin News (@LMNews) July 24, 2023

Gregg Bauer, C6ISR Vice President, and General Manager at Lockheed Martin, expressed his excitement about the DCS’s potential to transform undersea warfare for special operators.

“The Dry Combat Submersible has the potential to transform undersea warfare for special operators,” said Bauer . “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.”

The innovative design of the DCS allows U.S. Special Operations Forces to travel extended distances below the ocean’s surface without the need for wetsuits or exposure to harsh elements. This revolutionary feature ensures the safety and comfort of the operatives, enabling them to focus entirely on their mission objectives.

A Deeper Dive: Covert and Safe Operations

One of the key features of the DCS is its lock-in/lock-out technology, which allows special operators to seamlessly enter and exit the submersible while remaining completely submerged and undetected. This capability significantly enhances the stealth and covert nature of their operations, making it a valuable asset in sensitive and high-risk missions. In contrast to the current SEAL Delivery Vehicle, the MK 11 keeps its operators riding in potentially frigid waters for up to 36 nautical miles (66 kilometers/41 miles) and approximately nine hours.

The DCS serves as a reliable transportation mode for special operations teams, efficiently transporting them to their destination while ensuring they arrive discreetly at their desired exit point. This level of precision and efficiency is crucial in conducting covert operations, where avoiding detection is paramount to mission success.

Pride in Achievement: Supporting USSOCOM

The Lockheed Martin team takes immense pride in the development and delivery of the DCS, culminating in the achievement of the IOC milestone. Jason Crawford, Senior Program Manager for Manned Combat Submersibles, expressed enthusiasm for reaching this significant milestone and reiterated their commitment to supporting USSOCOM’s needs. The team is determined to deliver the third DCS and work towards achieving Full Operating Capacity, fulfilling a critical gap in USSOCOM’s capabilities.

Manufactured in Palm Beach, Florida, the DCS is the result of cutting-edge engineering and technology, setting a new standard in underwater warfare. Lockheed’s commitment extends beyond production, encompassing sustainment operations to ensure the long-term operational success of the DCS. This includes lifecycle support, post-delivery logistics support, specialized training for pilots and special operators, and the provision of training equipment. Such comprehensive support ensures that USSOCOM’s personnel can operate the DCS effectively and safely in future special forces missions.

Comprehensive Support for Ongoing Success

The introduction of the Dry Combat Submersible marks a significant leap in the capabilities of U.S. Special Operations Forces, offering them a remarkable advantage in undersea warfare. Its advanced features and covert capabilities elevate the level of precision and effectiveness of special operations, providing a critical edge in the ever-evolving global security landscape.

The DCS is a testament to Lockheed’s commitment to innovation and technological superiority in supporting the nation’s defense and security needs. As this transformative capability becomes fully operational, it will undoubtedly enhance the capabilities of USSOCOM and further solidify the United States’ position as a leader in undersea warfare. The DCS’s success represents a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge technologies that empower our forces to execute their missions with unparalleled precision and effectiveness.

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In conclusion, Lockheed’s Dry Combat Submersible heralds a new era in undersea warfare for U.S. Special Operations Forces. As the DCS progresses toward Full Operating Capacity, it will continue to bolster USSOCOM’s capabilities, ensuring the safety and success of our forces in future special operations efforts. With the DCS at their disposal, U.S. Special Operations Forces are better equipped than ever to tackle the challenges of modern warfare and safeguard the nation’s interests at home and abroad. The DCS’s success represents a milestone in the ongoing pursuit of cutting-edge technologies that empower our forces to execute their missions with unparalleled precision and effectiveness.