US Navy signed an agreement with five companies on development options of Guided Missile Frigate (FFG (X)). Under the agreement, the conceptual design work of the new frigate will be carried out. In the statement from the US Department of Defense it is announced that a study would be conducted on the Navy's need for a frigate that could accompany the navy's aircraft carrier groups and work in network with the fleets and capable of independent operations when necessary. It is also stated that 20 frigates will be built under the FFG (X) Program. Agreements signed 6.9 million with Austal USA LLC, 7.9 million with General Dynamics Bath Iron Works, Huntington Ingalls Inc. 7.9 million with Lockheed Martin, 6.9 million, and with Fincantieri Marinette Marine, which will work in partnership with Fincantieri Marinette.
Following the conceptual design studies planned to be completed in June 2019, detailed design phase will start after determining the Navy's requirements.
There is currently no guided missile frigate after the retirement of Oliver Hazard Perry class guided missile frigates, who were previously in service of the US Navy.
