The German Navy aims to increase the number of F127 frigates from five to eight units, with an estimated budget of US $ 30.42 billion, including weapons systems. Ships, designed for air defense and, for the first time, with an interception of ballistic missiles, will be built by the Joint Venture formed by TKMs and NVL. The command system will be based on the Aegis of Lockheed Martin, with Radar Spy-6 from Raytheon.
Sources indicate that the final decision on the main sensor has already been signed, but can be reviewed if the US requires participation in development costs.
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At the same time, the F126 frigate program, focused on anti -submarine war, faces significant delays due to software problems on Dutch contractor Damen. Three options are under discussion: continue with Damen, cancel the project or take on German leadership. Another suggested alternative is to maintain the F126 project while adopting a provisional solution, with the possibility of transferring the main responsibility to NVL, ensuring the use of the investments already made and the performance of subcontractors such as Thales.
As a temporary measure, the Navy can order Fragates Meko 200 from TKMs to preserve anti -submarine capacity during the transition. These ships have faster production, lower costs and operational flexibility, and may even act in Arctic.
Nevertheless, the simultaneous acquisition of F126 and Meko 200 is considered unlikely, and the final decision on the future of the F126 should be made soon so that the fleet reaches operational readiness in the coming years, also benefiting the wanders involved.
Source: Naval News | Photo: x @visionnergeo | This content was created with the help of AI and revised by the editorial team
🇩🇪 The German Navy plans to significantly expand its fleet by extending the contract for the purchase of new domestic F127-class frigates.
It is reported that initially five new ships were planned to be acquired, but now the discussion is about purchasing eight, with an… pic.twitter.com/kymB2KQmr4
– Visions (@VisionEGEO) September 24, 2025
