MADRID\u00a0\u2014\u00a0The Spanish government has given the green light to its new generation of frigates after authorizing a first R&D contract of \u20ac135.3 million (US $150.3 million) to develop the F-110 series from 2015 until 2020.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
“The purpose of this R&D contract is the implementation of three programs: develop the integration of sensors on the mast, the incorporation of new capabilities in the Scomba combat system and actuation and control of missile\u00a0systems to be installed in future frigates F -110,”\u00a0official sources reported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is expected F-110 frigates will replace the six Santa Mar\u00eda-class frigates (F-80) of the Spanish Navy from 2022 until 2030. Military sources reported the plan is to build five new frigates.\u00a0This will be the major Spanish Navy military program in the next decade together with the construction of the S-80 class submarine.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The main novelty of F-110 will consist on the integrated mast, where the communications system, radar, electronic warfare and optronics will be located. All in one, avoiding rotating elements,”\u00a0explained the same military source.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Missions at Sea\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n This new F-110 frigates will operate in high-threat scenarios forming battle groups at sea or may act alone in areas near the coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Anti-aircraft, asymmetric warfare, maritime safety, naval power projection, military-civilian cooperation, deployment flexibility, hybrid propulsion and space for unmanned vehicles are features and missions that\u00a0will be carried out by the Spanish Navy with these new frigates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It will have a 24-cell Mk 41 vertical launch system\u00a0for Standard or Sea Sparrow missiles and a\u00a05-inch\/62 caliber Mark 45 gun.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This new generation of Spanish frigates will be equipped with the Scomba combat system, developed by Navantia after the technology transfer agreements with Lockheed Martin during the former\u00a0\u00c1lvaro de Baz\u00e1n-class frigates (F-100) program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Spanish Navy also has five F-100 frigates equipped with the Lockheed Martin-developed Aegis combat system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n