The US State Department has approved a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Spain of F-100 Frigate Mid-Life Upgrade and related equipment for an estimated cost of $1.7 billion. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress.
The Government of Spain has requested to buy five (5) Shipsets AEGIS Weapon System; six (6) Shipsets Digital Signal Processor; five (5) Shipsets Mk.41 Baseline VIII Vertical Launching System; five (5) Shipsets of Next Generation Surface Search Radar. The following non-major defense equipment articles (MDE) will also be included: ultra high frequency satellite communications radio terminal systems; Global Positioning System Miniature Precision Lightweight GPS Receiver Engines with M-Code; AN/SRQ-4 Ku-band hardware; material required to support the upgrade of NIXIE SLQ-25A to a SLQ-25E; Mk.331 Torpedo Setting Panels; Mk.32 surface vessel torpedo tube upgrades; US Government support for the Mk.45 Mod 2 and Mod 2B Gun Weapon System; modernisation efforts, integration, and support
"The proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security objectives of the United States by improving the security of a NATO Ally that is an important force for political stability and economic progress in Europe," the Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) notification stated.
"The proposed sale will improve Spain's capability to meet current and future threats by affording more flexibility and capability to counter regional threats and continue to enhance stability in the region. The purchaser will use the articles and services to modernise five AEGIS-equipped frigates within its fleet, enhancing its ability to conduct defence missions and interoperate with the US and NATO Allies for theater ballistic missile defense. Spain will have no difficulty absorbing this equipment and support into its armed forces."