The US State Department has approved a potential $1.7 billion foreign military sale to Spain to support the mid-life modernization of the Spanish Navy’s F100 frigate fleet.
The upgrade program covers five ships that have been in service with the NATO ally since the early 2000s and is intended to extend their operational relevance.
The approved package includes five Aegis weapon systems, six digital signal processors, five Mk 41 Baseline VIII vertical launch systems, and five next-generation surface-search radars. Additional equipment will support the ships’ integration into Spain’s broader air defense network, including satellite communications terminals, torpedo and naval gun components, munitions, software, repair services, training, and logistics support.
Delivery of the systems will involve cooperation between the US government and industry partners Lockheed Martin, Ultra Maritime Naval Systems and Sensors, and General Dynamics.
The agreement also предусматривает the temporary deployment of US government and contractor personnel to Spain to conduct technical oversight, program reviews, and workforce training activities.
Previous disclosures indicate that the modernization effort is expected to keep the F100 frigates operational through at least 2045.
Also known as the Álvaro de Bazán-class, the F100 frigates are 147 meters (482 feet) long with a beam of 19 meters (62 feet). They are armed with .54-caliber naval guns, close-in weapon systems, 12.7 mm machine guns, 20–25 mm autocannons, surface-to-air and anti-ship missiles, and anti-submarine torpedoes.
Each vessel can carry a helicopter the size of an SH-60 Seahawk and accommodates a crew of approximately 200 personnel. Propulsion is provided by a combined gas-and-diesel system with two propellers, giving the ships a top speed of 28 knots and a range of 4,500 nautical miles.
