Naval Analysts Weigh in on New Frigate Concept

Naval analysts have expressed concern to Congress over aspects of the Navy’s new guided-missile frigate FFG(X) concept and how it would fit in the service’s plans to grow its battle force to 355 ships.

Testifying July 25 before the Senate Armed Services seapower subcommittee were Dr. Eric J. Labs, senior analyst for Naval Forces and Weapons, Congressional Budget Office; Ronald O’Rourke, specialist in Naval Affairs, Congressional Research Service; Dr. Jerry Hendrix, senior fellow and director of the Defense Strategies and Assessments Program at the Center for A New American Security; and Bryan Clark, senior fellow, Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments.

The analysts were asked about the Navy’s request for information (RFI), released July 10, for the FFG(X) by the subcommittee chairman, Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss.

Read the full article in Seapower Magazine.