Spain already has orders for several of them from Australia and South Korea. Canada is expected to choose this platform as well.
That’s about 30 units. There’s a line.
If we want them they’ll have to be built here, from US Steel and by US workers. The Spanish supplier will be HAPPY, OVERJOYED to settle for royalties on their design, to be a major element of the most powerful fleet the world has ever seen.
That’s prestige that will sell at least 100 copies over the next 25 years.
Most of the components are American anyway.
I noticed a glaring weakness that will ensure the US Navy does not choose this platform without major changes.
It’s limited to 28.5 knots, top speed.
It’s range limited to 4,500 nautical miles.
A US Frigate has to be an integral part of a Carrier Battle Group.
That dictates 30+ knots and 7,000 NM range. That’s the bare minimum entry to the big boys club.
The three Australian ships of this have been built in Australia, not Spain. We designate them as destroyers though. The upcoming Type 26 based ships are frigates.