Lockheed Martin strengthens Spanish SPY-7 radar supply chain
Lockheed Martin’s AN/SPY-7(V)2 radar in Spain’s F-110 multi-mission frigate. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)
The global defence giant chose a Spanish firm for its work on the Bonifaz-class frigate.
Global aerospace and defence manufacturer Lockheed Martin has chosen Spanish firm Indra, Escribano Mechanical and Engineering, and ICM (Integral de Conexión y Montajes, S.L.) to build components for its AN/SPY-7(V)2 solid-state S-band radar.
Lockheed’s S-band radar is a vital part of the build of the Spanish Navy’s new F-110 Bonifaz-class frigates, so folding the Spanish part-maker into its supply chain makes sense for the project’s resiliency and smooth running.
The new SPY-7 S-band radar is a highly sophisticated system, that can detect, track and engage both ballistic missile and air threats, and engage multiple targets simultaneously.
It has been designed as a modular, scalable, software-defined digital solid state radar, so it has greater variety of deployment and a performance several orders of magnitude greater than traditional SPY-1 radars.
The SPY-7 is also interoperable with other radars and platforms, including the Aegis Combat System. It is being fielded with domestic and international customers such as the Missile Defense Agency for the Long-Range Discrimination Radar (LRDR) and the US Navy for the Spanish F-110 frigate.
Lockheed has significant history with a Spanish supply chain. Over the last two decades, it has worked with companies across the country on a wide range of projects including microelectronic and RF components for the global SPY-1 fleet.
“These strategic collaborations empower local industries, strengthen communities and drive economic growth, all while providing the most advanced defence capabilities,” said Amr Hussein, vice-president of multi-domain combat solutions at Lockheed Martin. “By incorporating Spanish industry into radar production, we are committing to diversify our supply chain.”
You may also like
More from Naval Warfare
-
![Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?]()
Can the US Navy ask Indo-Pacific allies to do more while training with them less?
As the Iran War draws US ships and marine corps units away from the Indo-Pacific, curtailed exercises and a temporary carrier gap are exposing tensions between Washington’s demand for more self-reliant allies and the joint training needed to realise that ambition.
-
![How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?]()
How could Rheinmetall’s GMF 140 fit with ongoing programmes in North America?
With Canada committed to its River-class replacement and the USN pursuing a lower-cost frigate, Rheinmetall will need to demonstrate where the GMF 140 can fill a capability gap in the North American fleet.
-
![Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment]()
Australian industry programme builds pipeline for Virginia-class sustainment
Australian businesses can now bid to support Virginia-class submarine sustainment in Western Australia, as momentum around the Henderson Defence Precinct also builds.
-
![South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest]()
South Korea, Japan and Turkey vie for US shipbuilding access in future frigate contest
Washington’s search for a foreign-built frigate could hand South Korea, Japan and Turkey a larger prize than a double-hull order: a foothold inside the US shipbuilding industrial base.
-
![Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline]()
Japan’s FY2027 budget bets on stand-off systems to offset demographic decline
Japan’s FY2027 defence budget backs stand-off strike, a 17-aircraft MQ-9B buy and a declared bid to lead the world in uncrewed maritime assets, alongside new frigates, submarines and support ships.
-
![Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand]()
Russia’s uncrewed boat portfolio hints at future naval demand
Ukrainian intelligence has catalogued more than 20 Russian uncrewed surface vessels, revealing a portfolio weighted towards mine warfare and logistics, with implications for Western naval investment.
