U.S. approves $1.7B F-100 frigate upgrade for Spain

The United States State Department has approved a possible $1.7 billion Foreign Military Sale to Spain for the mid-life upgrade of its F-100 frigates, with Congress formally notified by the Defense Security Cooperation Agency, U.S. officials reported.

According to the notification, Spain requested equipment and services to modernize five AEGIS-equipped frigates operated by the Spanish Navy. The package includes five AEGIS Weapon System shipsets, six Digital Signal Processor shipsets, five MK 41 Baseline VIII Vertical Launch Systems, and five Next Generation Surface Search Radar shipsets.

The approved sale also covers a wide range of supporting equipment and services, including ultra-high frequency satellite communications terminals, GPS receivers with M-Code capability, AN/SRQ-4 Ku-band hardware, and upgrades to the NIXIE SLQ-25A to SLQ-25E torpedo decoy system. Additional items include MK 331 torpedo setting panels, MK 32 torpedo tube upgrades, and U.S. government support for the MK 45 Mod 2 and Mod 2B naval gun systems.

The package includes modernization, integration, and test support, as well as munitions support equipment, spare parts, classified and unclassified software, technical documentation, training, logistics support, and contractor engineering services. The total estimated cost of the program is $1.7 billion.

The State Department said the proposed sale supports U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives by strengthening the capabilities of a NATO ally that plays a key role in European security. The upgrade is intended to improve Spain’s ability to address current and future threats while maintaining interoperability with U.S. and allied forces, particularly in ballistic missile defense operations.

Spain plans to use the equipment and services to modernize five F-100 frigates, also known as Alvaro de Bazan-class. These ships are equipped with the U.S.-built Aegis combat system and are among the few non-U.S. warships to operate the system. The upgrade will extend their service life and enhance their ability to operate as part of NATO and U.S.-led maritime task groups.

The Álvaro de Bazán-class frigates were built by Spanish shipbuilder Navantia in Ferrol and are designed for air defense, surface warfare, and fleet escort missions. Each ship is equipped with the SPY-1D radar, allowing it to track and engage multiple airborne targets simultaneously as part of an integrated air defense network.

The principal U.S. contractors for the program are Lockheed Martin, RTX Corporation, Ultra Maritime Naval Systems and Sensors, and General Dynamics. Lockheed Martin will provide the Aegis combat system elements, while the other companies will support radar, sensors, weapons integration, and ship systems modernization.