Navy Details Missions & Plans for New Frigate

by Kris Osborn

Support carrier strike groups, conduct disaggregated operations, attack enemies with an over-the-horizon missile and engage in advanced surface and anti-submarine warfare, according to a recently completed service requirements review.

Findings from a Navy Requirements Evaluation Team, delineated in a recently released Request for Information (RFI) to industry, offer a unique and unprecedented window into the weapons, technologies and broad mission scope envisioned for the new Navy ship – Frigate FFG(X)

“The Navy will consider multiple proposed designs for a lethal, multi-mission Guided Missile Frigate capable of integrated strike group operations and operating independently in contested environments using common combat system elements,” Navy spokeswoman Lt. Kara Yingling told Scout Warrior in a written statement.

Plans for the ship, as specified by the RFI, appear to exceed some of the capabilities initially envisioned for a ship which began the planning stages as merely a more “survivable” variant of the services’ Littoral Combat Ship. While that sensibility is by no means lost, many sought after characteristics for the Frigate, such and anti-submarine and surface warfare, clearly mirror or expand upon missions performed by the LCS. Anticipated weapons and tactics for new Frigate clearly appear to be a product of fast-evolving, next-generation Navy thinking.

While many of the particular weapons systems and design details have yet to be determined, and of course hang in the balance of anticipated industry offerings, the Navy is asking for a ship which can both travel in substantial aggregated combat scenarios such as Carrier Strike Groups and Expeditionary Strike Groups. In addition, it is clear that the service seeks a ship able to function autonomously as well, performing disaggregated or more independent missions.

“Concepts of employment for this type of ship will include integrated operations with area air defense capable destroyers and cruisers as well as independent operations while connected and contributing to the fleet tactical grid. Additionally, this platform must defend against raids of small boats,” the RFI states.

In terms of ship defense systems, electronic warfare technology, offensive weapons and long-range sensors, the Frigate will be engineered with very significant “blue water” combat capability.