Germany ordered two additional project F126 frigates

21 June, 2024 Rendering of the project F126 frigate. Photo: Damen The German Ministry of Defense placed an order for two additional frigates of the F126 project.

It is reported by Hartpunkt. In accordance with this order, the Ministry of Defense funded the construction of two additional frigates of the F126 project, which will bring the total number of ordered ships to six. The order of two additional ships takes place within the scope of the option, which was taken into account by the contract, since now most issues regarding the distribution of responsibility in construction between the Netherlands and Germany have been resolved.

In total, the German Ministry of Defense allocated EUR3.1 billion for the construction of additional ships. Construction will be distributed among three ships, where they will make up two parts of the ship, and the final assembly will take place on a ship in the city of Hamburg.

The ship's Peene at Wolgast will be engaged in steel structures and preliminary assembly of the stern, and the bow of the ship will be built at Kiel. According to the plan, it is expected that two frigates will be built in 2033-2034 and will be able to potentially strengthen the ocean capabilities of the German Navy, which also plans to maintain its presence in the Pacific Ocean.

Rendering of the project F126 frigate. Photo credits: Damen

The project F126 frigates have water substitution of more than 10 thousand tons and are armed with 16 cells of the Mk.41 vertical launch system, which will be equipped with ESSM Block 2B missiles with active radar homing, as well as two missile systems for direct protection of SeaRAM ships.

The construction of the lead Sachsen-class frigate began on December 5, 2023, and the laying of the keel on June 3, 2024. According to the plan, the ship should become part of the German Navy in 2028 and replace the frigates of the Sachsen-class. In addition, the Dutch company Damen plans to offer a ship for export customers seeking to strengthen their surface fleet with large ships.

In addition, they note that the composition of systems, radar equipment and weapons can vary depending on the wishes of the customer.