New FFG(X) estimate: $950M each

Naval Sea Systems Command confirmed Jan. 9 that each new Guided-Missile Frigate has an expected end cost of an average of $950M million, according to Regan Campbell, program manager of the frigate program office. The cost doesn’t include the first in class ship, which typically carries a higher price tag. The Navy is planning for a 20-ship order for the designated FFG(X), which was initially a step beyond the Littoral Combat Ship (LCS). The Navy released the final conceptual design request for proposals in November, which specified the ships will be built in U.S. shipyards and those potential contractors must start with a parent design - one that has been through production and demonstrated at-sea testing. The FFG(X) program has improvements over previous frigate designs such as shock- and blast-hardening, and structural fatigue length, she said. Campbell could not reveal which companies have submitted conceptual designs, but will be able to say what shipyard(s) would be getting an award “shortly.” (Source: Defense Daily 01/09/18) Gulf Coast Note: Austal USA shipyard of Mobile, Ala., builds the Independence variant of the LCS for the Navy.