FFG-Frigate

The FFG-Frigate program, part of the Navy's shipbuilding and conversion efforts, seeks to enhance the fleet with the FFG 62 Class guided missile frigates. These frigates are designed for increased lethality and survivability, emphasizing multi-mission capabilities such as Anti-Surface Warfare, Anti-Submarine Warfare, Electronic Warfare/Information Operations, and Air Warfare. The program aims to integrate these capabilities while maintaining affordability and contributing to a balanced mix of surface ships. Development approval was granted by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council in February 2019, with significant milestones reached by April 2020, including the award of the Detail Design & Construction contract.

Key components and systems are integral to achieving the program's objectives. The Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar provides advanced air search capabilities for self-defense and local area defense. The AEGIS Weapon System offers integrated combat management across various warfare areas. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Combat Suite enhances undersea detection and targeting abilities, while the Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program offers early threat detection and protection against anti-ship missiles.

Additional systems include the Tactical COMINT System-Spectral for information warfare enhancements and Cooperative Engagement Capability for real-time sensor data integration. Identification Friend or Foe systems ensure secure identification processes, while the External Communication Suite supports interoperable communication capabilities. The Navy Advanced Extremely High Frequency Multiband Terminal facilitates satellite communications. Together, these systems aim to bolster the frigate's operational effectiveness across multiple domains.

The procurement strategy involves collaboration with contractors such as Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics to deliver these advanced systems. Each component has specific delivery timelines aligned with ship construction schedules to ensure timely integration into the frigate class. Cybersecurity is emphasized through initiatives like Situational Awareness Boundary Enforcement Response Navigation and Platform Boundary Defense systems, aiming to enhance cyber resilience across naval networks.