The US State Department has approved a $1.7-billion foreign military sale to Spain in support of its F100 frigate mid-life upgrade program.
Modernization covers a fleet of five ships, which have been in service under the NATO country since the early 2000s.
The package incorporates five Aegis weapon systems, six digital signal processors, five Mk 41 Baseline VIII vertical launch systems, and five next-generation surface search radars.
It also covers other equipment needed to sustain the vessels’ role in Madrid’s larger air defense network, such as satellite communication terminals, torpedo and naval gun materials, munitions, software, repair, training, and logistics services.
Washington will work with Lockheed Martin, Ultra Maritime Naval Systems and Sensors, and General Dynamics to deliver the materials to Spain.
Terms include sending American government and contractor representatives to the European nation temporarily for related technical oversight, reviews, and workforce competency efforts.
Earlier updates suggest that the overhaul is expected to sustain the F100 vessels’ operability until 2045.
Backing Security in Europe
According to the US, the contents of the potential military sale will provide Spain with improved capability to “counter regional threats and continue to enhance stability” in nearby regions.
The materials are also expected to enhance Madrid’s “ability to conduct defense missions and interoperate” with American and partner forces.
“The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe,” the US State Department said.
“The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. There will be no adverse impact on US defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale.”
Spain’s F100 Warship
The F100 system, also called the Álvaro de Bazán-class frigate, measures 147 meters (482 feet) long and has a beam of 19 meters (62 feet).
It is armed with .54-caliber naval artillery guns, a close-in weapon system, 12.7-millimeter machine guns, 20 to 25-millimeter autocannons, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine torpedoes.
The platform can carry one helicopter the size of an SH-60 Seahawk in addition to approximately 200 personnel.
For propulsion, the vessel is fitted with twin gas turbines, twin diesel engines, and two propellers, all enabling a top speed of 28 knots (52 kilometers/32 miles per hour) and a range of 4,500 nautical miles (8,334 kilometers/5,179 miles).
