Spain Requests 2 AEGIS Systems

08-Aug-2007 19:55 | Permanent Link

On Aug 3/07, the US DSCA announced Spain's formal request [PDF format] for 2 MK 7 AEGIS Weapons Systems. The heart of the AEGIS weapon system is Lockheed Martin's AN/SPY-1D Radar System, a 3-dimensional, air/surface search and tracking radar; there is also a software combat system component. Spain also asked for 2 MK 41 Baseline VII Vertical Launch Systems, and 2 MK 45 MOD 2 5" Gun Mounts. These sets would equip 2 of that country's F100 Alvaro de Bazan Class AEGIS frigates, which will also serve as the basis for Australia's Hobart Class ships.
Non-MDE items include: AN/SLQ-25A Torpedo Countermeasure System; UHF SATCOM Terminal; AN/WSN-7, Ring Laser Gyro; AN/ARR-75, Radio Receiving Set; Aviation Support System; MK III Shipboard System Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (LAMPS); AN/BQN-7A, Bathythermograph Set; AN/WSN-8A, Digital Electromagnetic Log; Common Data Link Management System (CDLMS)/Command and Control Processor (C2P); Multifunctional Information Distribution System on Ships; MK 162 MOD 1 Shipboard Gridlock System; Navigation Sensor System Interface (NAVSSI)/Global Positioning System; AN/SLA-10B, and Video Blanking Equipment. System integration and testing, communications and support equipment, computer programs and maintenance support, ship integration, spare and repair parts, supply support, publications and technical data, training, U.S. Government and contractor technical assistance, and other related elements of logistics support.
The total value, if all options are exercised, could be as high as $780 million. Offset agreements associated with this proposed sale are expected, but are undetermined at this time, and will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and contractor. The principal contractors will be:

• Lockheed-Martin Maritime System and Sensors in Moorestown, NJ
• Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems and Sensors, Eagan, MN
• General Dynamics Armament Systems in Burlington, VT
• Raytheon Company, Equipment Division in Andover, MA

AEGIS is all the rage these days.

So are these two AEGIS systems gonna replace the Paz Cards or what?

Aegis has been all the rage since the late '80's, lookup CG-49 downs airbus.
Better yet, look up USS Longbeach - Aegis concept platform b/f the micro-chip!
Anyway - we have already shared this tecnology w/ Japan and some other NATO allies. The question with Spain is what do we get in return?
If I memory serves correctly - it was this socio liberal bastion that pulled its troops and left the US high and dry in the Mid East, why should we help them now?

Well they have just captured an American treasure ship so they have the money to pay for it.

I was thinking warm bodies being committed to an area of the world they are truly needed.

Okay, here is the spaniard.
In the 90 the Armada developed a frigates program based on the AEGIS system.
In 2003 Spain supported the intervention in Iraq.




In 03.14.2004 elections took place in Spain (three days after a very serious terrorist attack)
A new democratic government decided to withdraw from Iraq.
Is Spain an ally or a junior USA?
Should we return frigates already paid?

Many Spaniards, including myself, believe that Spain should return to good relations with the United States, but American policy helps little.
Indeed, in March there were new elections here.