Lockheed will not submit FFG(X) bid

Lockheed Martin has decided not to submit a bid for the competition to build the Navy's next-generation frigate, a company executive told Inside Defense today.

"After careful review, we have decided to focus our attention on the FFG(X) combat system, delivering Lockheed Martin technologies such as the Aegis-derived weapon system, MK 41 Vertical Launching System, anti-submarine warfare processing and advanced electronic warfare," said Joe DePietro, Lockheed's vice president for small combatants and ship systems.

"We will continue to serve as a shipbuilder for the U.S. Navy, and we're exploring opportunities including unmanned surface vessels and the large surface combatant," he continued.

Lockheed is one of five companies to whom the Navy awarded contracts to mature their FFG(X) designs.

The other four companies are Austal USA, Fincantieri Marinette Marine, General Dynamics Bath Iron Works and Huntington Ingalls Industries.