Navantia and General Dynamics-Bath Iron Works to cooperate on USN FFG(X)) programme
On 23 November, Navantia and General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW) announced that they had signed an agreement to cooperate on the US Navy’s (USN) next generation Guided-Missile Frigates (FFG(X)) programme.
In order to ensure that the programme runs to cost and schedule, the USN requires designs that are based on a parent design. As such, the teaming agreement is based on Navantia’s family of AEGIS Frigates, such as the Norwegian F-310, the Spanish F-100 and the Australian HMAS Hobart, which was commissioned by the Royal Australian Navy in September 2017.
“Bath Iron Works evaluated many US and foreign designs suited to the FFG(X) requirements and found that the family of frigates designed and built by Navantia is an ideal match,” said BIW President Dirk Lesko. “We look forward to continuing the productive relationship we have had with Navantia for nearly 40 years.”
The FFG(X) project will provide Combatant and Fleet Commanders with an asset uniquely suited to achieve select sea control objectives and perform maritime security operations while facilitating access in all domains in support of strike group and aggregated fleet operations. The initial procurement plan is for 20 units and the detail design and construction award is scheduled for 2020.
