U.S. Special Ops Command Declares IOC for Lockheed’s New Dry Combat Submersible

Lockheed Martin’s Dry Combat Submersible (DCS) reached initial operational capability (IOC) with the U.S. Navy sometime last month.

The new DCS allows the occupants to travel to and from their destination submerged, but without being immersed in often frigid water the whole time. It is derived from British mini-submarine design called the S351 Nemesis.

"The Dry Combat Submersible has the potential to transform undersea warfare for special operators,” said Gregg Bauer, C6ISR vice president and general manager at Lockheed Martin. “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."

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.