Lockheed Martin contracted for AEGIS weapons system on FFGX frigates.

Lockheed Martin Rotary and Mission Systems has been awarded a $15,707,204 cost-plus-incentive-fee modification to previously awarded contract (N00024-16-C-5136), from the United States Navy, for AEGIS Weapons System design requirements in support of Guided Missile Frigate (FFG(X)).

Lockheed Martin "Freedom-Variant" Frigate unveiled at SNA 2018.

The Frigate Combat Management System (CMS) contract includes the design of the CMS. The planned contract action will modify CMS capabilities under development and integrate increased combat system element capability, resulting in an AEGIS Weapon System that aligns with FFG(X) class ships.

FFG(X) is an agile, multi-mission platform designed for operation in littoral and blue water environments. Its missions are set to be Anti-Submarine Warfare, Surface Warfare, Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare, and Air Warfare. FFG(X) will operate independently or integrated with a Task Force to conduct offensive and defensive Surface, Anti-Submarine, and Air Warfare.

According to the program manager, evolving threats in the global maritime environment drove the U.S. Navy to re-evaluate Frigate requirements and pursue a guided missile Frigate. FFG(X) leverages the proposed capabilities of the original Frigate (FF) program while adding:
• Increased Air Warfare (AW) capability in both self-defense and escort roles
• Enhanced survivability (specifically focused on reduced vulnerability)
• Increased Electromagnetic Maneuver Warfare (EMW) capability

Maximizing capabilities while balancing cost
• “High / Low” mix of surface combatant capabilities to meet the increased challenges of future operating environment

Work will be performed in Moorestown, New Jersey, and is expected to be completed by September 2021. Fiscal 2019 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funding in the amount of $1,901,637 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The U.S. Navy's Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, District of Columbia, is the contracting activity.