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Next-Gen SPY-7 Radar Equips Spanish F-110 Frigates to Dominate Complex Threats.
According to information published by Lockheed Martin on January 13, 2025, the leader in defense and aerospace innovation, has reached a milestone in the development of Spain's F-110 Multi-Mission Frigate program.
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Artist rendering of the F110-class frigate. (Picture source: Lockheed Martin)
In partnership with Navantia, Spain's national defense and shipbuilding company, the AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar successfully tracked airborne objects in a live test conducted at the Aegis SCOMBA Integration Center (ASIC) in Moorestown, New Jersey.
The F-110 Multi-Mission Frigate is the Spanish Navy’s next-generation surface combatant, designed to replace the aging Santa María-class frigates. These vessels will incorporate technology to address a wide range of maritime threats.
The F-110 frigates are unique in their integration of the AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar with the Aegis Combat System and Spain’s locally developed SCOMBA (Combat Management System), creating a tailored and highly capable suite of naval defense technologies. These systems allow for seamless coordination between sensors, weapons, and communication platforms.
During the live tracking event, the SPY-7 radar system demonstrated its advanced capabilities by successfully detecting and tracking airborne targets with precision. This radar employs Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductors, which provide superior power efficiency and performance, enabling the system to manage multiple threats simultaneously across various domains. Unlike its predecessors, the SPY-7 radar uses a scalable and modular architecture that can be customized to suit different mission requirements.
The test also highlighted the integration of tactical hardware and software within the Aegis system, confirming the system's readiness for future performance evaluations.
Following this success, Lockheed Martin will conduct a series of rigorous performance and integration tests for the SPY-7 radar. These tests will include land-based trials at the Spanish Navy’s Combat Information Systems Test Center (CIST) in Rota.
Formal delivery of the radar system is scheduled for 2026, aligning with the construction timeline of the first F-110 frigate. The program aims to commission the first vessel in 2028, with five frigates planned in total.
In addition to its radar capabilities, the F-110 will feature advanced electronic warfare systems, missile launchers, and sonar capabilities for anti-submarine warfare.