F126 frigate

Planned class of German Navy frigates

Preliminary CGI of the final design by Damen

Class overview
Builders| Damen Group/Blohm + Voss/Lürssen/German Naval Yards/Peene Werft[1]
Operators|  German Navy
Preceded by| Baden-Württemberg class
Cost|

* €5.47 billion (2020) (equivalent to €5.64 billion in 2021)[2] for 4 units including training facilities
* €2.88 billion (2024) for 2 units
* €1.39 billion (2020) (equivalent to €1.43 billion in 2021)[2] per unit

Built| 2023-Present
In service| 2028
In commission| 2027
Planned| 6 ordered[3]
Building| 1
General characteristics
Type| Frigate/destroyer
Displacement| 10,550 tonnes
Length| 166 m (544 ft 7 in)
Beam| 21.7 m (71 ft 2 in)
Height| < 39 m (127 ft 11 in)
Draft| 5.9 m (19 ft 4 in)
Ice class| ICE 1C/E1
Installed power| ~ 32 MW (43,000 hp)
Propulsion|

* CODLAD:
* 4 × MTU 20V 4000 M65L [de] gensets[4]
* 2 × MAN Energy Solutions 32/44CR electric drive motors [5]
* Renk gearbox system
* Renk electric drive motors
* ABB transformers and integrated DC grid
* 4 × ABB lithium-ion battery modules [6]

Speed|

* Over 26 kn (48 km/h; 30 mph) (maximum sustained speed)
* 11.5 kn (21.3 km/h; 13.2 mph) (electric propulsion cruise speed)

Range| > 4,000 nmi (7,400 km; 4,600 mi) at 18 kn (33 km/h; 21 mph) speed
Endurance| 21 days
Boats & landing
craft carried| At least 2 × 10 m rigid-hull inflatable boat), with space in the rear for 1 × additional one depending on mission
Capacity| Accommodation for 84 additional crew, e.g. special forces or signals intelligence specialists
Complement| 114
Sensors &
processing systems|

* Combat management system:
* Thales Tacticos[7]
* Radars:[7]
* 1 × Hensoldt TRS-4D NR multi-function surveillance radar
* 1 × Thales X-band APAR Block 2 multi-function fire radar
* Electro-optical systems:[7]
* Thales Mirador MK2 EO tracking and observation system
* Thales Gatekeeper 360° IR/TV system
* Sonar:[8]
* ATLAS ELEKTRONIK anti-submarine warfare mission modules with an active/passive low frequency variable depth towed sonar
* Communication:
* Thales SurfSAT-L satellite communication[9]
* Navigation suite:
* OSI Maritime Systems: Integrated Bridge Management Systems (IBMS)

Electronic warfare
& decoys|

* Decoys (radar, IR, laser)[10]
* Rohde & Schwarz KORA 40 communications and radar ESM
* ELINT systems and facilities

Armament|

* Missiles:
* 16 × cells Mk 41 VLS for up to 64 ESSM Block 2B medium-range air defence missiles
* 2 × RIM-116 RAM CIWS launchers for up to 21 × short-range air-defence missiles each
* 2 × Kongsberg Naval Strike Missile launchers, for up to 8 NSM Block 1a cruise missiles each (anti-ship and land attack missiles)
* Cannons:
* 1 × OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun with Vulcano guided ammunition [de]
* 2 × Rheinmetall MLG27-4.0 SeaSnake [de] 27×145 mm RCWS[11]
* 2 × Leonardo LIONFISH 12.7 Top 12.7×99mm NATO RCWS[12]
* 12.7 mm Leonardo heavy machine guns
* Water guns and long range acoustic device

Aircraft carried|

* 2 × NH90 Sea Tiger (ASW / ASuW)
* Saab Skeldar unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV)

Aviation facilities| Aircraft hangar for 2 helicopters and UAV
Notes| Designed to be continuously deployed with minimal maintenance for up to two years and operate for 5000 hours per year

F126 or Niedersachsen-class frigate (Fregatte 126) is a planned German frigate class intended to replace the F123 Brandenburg-class frigates in the German Navy. The ships are to be the largest surface warships to join the German Navy since World War II. The first ship, Niedersachsen, is planned to be commissioned in 2028, with Saarland, Bremen, and Thüringen to follow.[13] On 8 April 2024, Germany exercised their option and purchased an additional two frigates.[14] The contract for two additional F126 frigates was signed on 19 June 2024.[15][16]

Until 1 January 2021, the project was known under the working title MKS 180 or Multi-Purpose Combat Ship 180 (Mehrzweckkampfschiff 180[17]), with 180 indicating the class’s planned complement.

## Characteristics

[edit]

The class is to be mission modular and is capable of accommodating so-called mission modules which include devices, space, sensors and weaponry necessary to carry out a given task optimally. If not in use, the modules can be maintained and replaced separate from the ship and also be exchanged between different ships in the class.

The ships are planned to replace the Brandenburg class in their anti-submarine warfare (ASW) role if fitted with a modular towed array sonar (the ASW module).

Similar to the Baden-Württemberg class however, they will also be able to stay at sea for up to two years[18] without requiring maintenance at port, with crews rotating to and from the deployed ship every four months. This capability is expected to allow for a more efficient use of hulls by reducing the time spent during transfer from Germany to conflict zones such as the sea off the Horn of Africa where German ships repeatedly took part in counter-piracy missions such as Operation Atalanta, patrolling large areas for a long time. In this case, the "detention module" enables the crew to detain suspects and if need be quarantine them in a purpose-built medical facility.

Other intended uses are the enforcement of embargoes, escorting merchant shipping or commanding maritime task forces.[19] In 2015, modules for mine countermeasures (MCM) and a diving chamber were planned as well.[18]

## Project history

[edit]

### Competitive evaluation and design selection

[edit]

First studies for a class of future surface ships were initiated in 2009. At the time, the goal was to develop a replacement for the 143A Gepard-class fast attack craft. In reference to the five K130-class corvettes which were set to replace the older 143 Albatros class,[20] the project was termed MÜKE (Mittlere Überwasserkampfeinheit) or K131. Eight ships were planned to join the navy by the early 2020s and then be available into the 2050s.

The ships were to be mission modular. The Navy, increasingly tasked with conducting long overseas deployments with an aging fleet of ships influenced by Cold War requirements, wished to obtain flexible ships that could be rapidly modified depending on need. This design driver, also influencing the Baden-Württemberg-class frigates at the time, caused the projected design to increase in displacement and complement compared to a typical corvette. By early 2011, the project was therefore expected to result in a "Multi-Role Combat Ship" (Mehrzweckkampfschiff). On 25 March 2013, the detailed requirements were formally decided on.[21]

During the following analysis phase, three designs were suggested, one fulfilling all requirements and two other less expensive ones fulfilling them partially. On 8 June 2015, the fully compliant design was selected.[18] By 2015 the number of ships had been cut to four with the first hull entering service by 2023 at a planned total cost of around 4 billion Euros and two more ships in a potential second batch.[22] Crucially, the MKS 180 project had now grown to be the replacement for the four aging F123 Brandenburg-class frigates, representing the Navy's primary ASW capability.[20]

The 2015 tender was open for bids from European companies, with Minister of Defence Ursula von der Leyen deciding not to prevent foreign bidders from participating under national security reasons. Several companies participated, among them:[23]

* BAE Systems and German Naval Yards
* Damen Group and Blohm + Voss
* Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Lürssen

In mid 2017, BAE Systems, offering a ship based on the Type 26, withdrew from the tender and in March 2018 the German government excluded the Thyssenkrupp/Lürssen consortium. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems then partnered as a subcontractor to German Naval Yards, while Lürssen effectively became a partner to Damen, having acquired Blohm + Voss in 2016.[24]

In January 2020 after a five year long bidding process the Dutch Damen Group won the tender, although the ships will be constructed at the Blohm + Voss shipyard in Hamburg, Germany[25] and at the Peene-shipyard in Wolgast, Germany, both owned by Lürssen Group.[26] German Naval Yards protested the award, delaying the required legally binding contract signature. However, the company withdrew its protest when it and Lürssen announced they would pool their naval shipbuilding in a joint venture[27] and that the Kiel shipyard would participate in construction.[28]

An earlier MKS 180/F126 working design

### Contract award

[edit]

The contract was signed on 17 June 2020.[29] In June 2020 the German parliaments budgetary committee officially cleared 6 billion Euros for the first four ships and two options with the first ship planned to be commissioned by 2027.[30] The contract awarded to Damen covers the ships, training facilities as well as two ASW and two detention modules and amounts to 5.48 billion Euros while weapons are contracted separately.[31] Initial operating capability for the ships - to be based in Wilhelmshaven \- is expected in 2028.

Thales at its facilities in the Netherlands and Germany will provide radar, IT and fire control systems,[28] in particular the "Tacticos" combat management system and the AWWS ("above water warfare system") fire control solution.[32] In November 2020, the provider of the underwater warfare suite had yet to be decided.

Wärtsila SAM Electronics in Hamburg will integrate the ships electrical systems[33] while Canadian company OSI Maritime is delivering the navigation suite[34] and Rolls-Royce unit Power Systems is responsible for the ship platform management and automation systems.[35] ABB was awarded a contract to supply the ships DC power system.[36] Electric drive motors and the gearbox will be provided by Renk.[37] The frigates will also be equipped with systems to handle CBRN threats, which includes multiple ChemProX-DS chemical detectors and RanidX radiation detectors.[38]

### Construction

[edit]

The design passed a critical design review in early 2022,[citation needed] after which construction of the first ship began in December 2023 with the first steel-cutting in Wolgast[39][40] while keel laying is intended for 2024.[41][42]

While the fore ships will be constructed in Wolgast, the aft ships will be built in Kiel where both will be joined and towed to Hamburg.[43][44] Fitting, tests and trials are to take place in Hamburg.[45] The Hamburg Ship Model Basin (HSVA) is conducting model-based flow testing.[46] On 3 June 2024 the keel for the first F126 frigate, the Niedersachsen, was laid down.[47][48][49]

Pennant

number

| Name  | Construction start  | Laid down  | Launched  | Commissioning plan[50] | Status

|
|
|
|
|
|

F227  | Niedersachsen | 5 December 2023 [51] | 3 June 2024 [51] | —  | Planned for July 2028  | In construction
F228  | Saarland | —  | —  | —  | Planned for April 2030  | —
F229  | Bremen | —  | —  | —  | Planned for April 2031  | —
F230  | Thüringen | —  | —  | —  | Planned for January 2032  | —
|  | —  | —  | —  | Planned for 2033[3] | —
|  | —  | —  | —  | Planned for 2034[3] | —

## Controversy over contract award

[edit]

Daniel Günther, Minister President of the state of Schleswig-Holstein where Kiel is located, complained[52] in public over the decision to engage in a European tender, considering German know-how and jobs to be threatened by the governments decision. He reiterated that the construction of surface warfare ships ought to be listed as a "key technology" (Schlüsseltechnologie) which would formalise the governments ability (but not obligation) to exclude tenders on surface ships from EU competition law. According to Schleswig-Holsteins Minister of the Economy, Bernd Buchholz (FDP), this is a common practice in other European countries where government can even directly own stakes in national shipyards. He especially criticized that knowledge-intensive activities such as research and development would be occurring in the Netherlands.[53]

The union of metalworkers (IG Metall) and labour councils in shipyards and maritime subcontractors also criticized the decision, considering 15.000 jobs to be threatened[54] in a call on the government to protect shipyards, jobs and engage with industry to bring about a "restructurization" of shipbuilding in Germany.

On 12 February 2020, the cabinet decided to include the construction of surface ships among key technologies.[55] The intention to do so had already been formalized during negotiations between the governing parties SPD and CDU/CSU in 2018.[56] This has no impact on the MKS 180 tender, which had already been conducted Europe-wide.

## References

[edit]

1. ^ "3,2 Milliarden Euro: Peene-Werft baut zwei Fregatten der Klasse F 126".
2. ^ a b 1500 to 1850: Ulrich Pfister, 2010. "Consumer prices and wages in Germany, 1500 - 1850," CQE Working Papers 1510, Center for Quantitative Economics (CQE), University of Münster. 1851-1882: Coos Santing, 2007, Inflation 1800-2000, data from OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, Economic Outlook. Historical Statistics and Mitchell, B. R. International Historical Statistics, Africa, Asia and Oceania 1750-1993 London : Macmillan ; New York : Stockton, 1998, International Historical Statistics, Europe 1750-1993 London : Macmillan ; New York : Stockton, 1998, and International Historical Statistics, The Americas 1750-1993 London : Macmillan ; New York : Stockton, 1998. After 1883, German inflation numbers based on data available from the Deutsches Statistisches Bundesamt archive and GENESIS database.
3. ^ a b c Waldemar Geiger (12 June 2024). "Niedersachsenklasse – Marine bekommt zwei weitere Fregatten F126" (in German). hartpunkt.de. Retrieved 12 June 2024.
4. ^ "Rolls-Royce will deliver mtu naval gensets for F126".
5. ^ "MAN wins order from Damen Naval for Propulsion Diesel Engines for F126". 9 September 2022.
6. ^ "Class 126 frigate – self-sufficient power supply by means of batteries". 12 October 2023.
7. ^ a b c Vavasseur, Xavier (28 June 2022). "Video: Thales Aboard F126 Frigates of the German Navy - Naval News". Naval News.
8. ^ "German F126 frigate to be equipped with anti-submarine warfare technology from ATLAS ELEKTRONIK". 2 November 2022.
9. ^ "Thales supplies SurfSAT-L satellite communication solution for F126 German frigates | Thales Group". 19 February 2024.
10. ^ "A closer look at Germany's true multi-mission F126 frigate of Dutch design | SWZ|Maritime". 8 July 2021.
11. ^ "Rheinmetall chosen to supply MLG27-4.0 systems for German F126 ships". 17 November 2022.
12. ^ "Leonardo's LIONFISH® systems will equip the German Navy's F126 new frigates". 22 December 2022.
13. ^ Wiemann, Peter (3 June 2021). "Das Mehrzweckkampfschiff Klasse 180 nimmt Fahrt auf" (PDF). MarineForum. 6/2021.
14. ^ "Germany to Order Ships, Armored Vehicles Worth Up to €7 Billion". Bloomberg.com. 8 April 2024. Retrieved 9 April 2024.
15. ^ Mariska Buitendijk (20 June 2024). "Germany orders two more F126 frigates from Damen". SWZ|Maritime.
16. ^ Jaime Karremann (19 June 2024). "Definitief: Duitsland bestelt 2 extra fregatten bij Damen". Marineschepen.nl (in Dutch).
17. ^ "Germany Announces a Record Year for Defense Acquisitions Boosted by F126 Frigates and Leopard 2A8 Tanks". Army Recognition. 15 November 2024.
18. ^ a b c Braun, Rudolf (26 November 2020). "MEHRZWECKKAMPFSCHIFF KLASSE 180 - Realisierung kann beginnen" (PDF). Marineforum. 7/8-2015: 20–24.
19. ^ "Erklärstück-Update: Das Mehrzweckkampfschiff 180". www.bundeswehr.de (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
20. ^ a b Gädechens, Ingo (7 June 2015). "Gädechens begrüßt die Auswahlentscheidung zum Mehrzweckkampfschiff MKS 180". Archived from the original on 13 August 2015. Retrieved 28 June 2020.
21. ^ "Forderungen der Marine an das MKS Klasse 180" (PDF). 26 November 2020.
22. ^ "ZEIT ONLINE | Lesen Sie zeit.de mit Werbung oder imPUR-Abo. Sie haben die Wahl". www.zeit.de. Archived from the original on 22 June 2020. Retrieved 21 June 2020.
23. ^ "Rund eine halbe Milliarde Euro Mehrkosten für vier MKS 180 -..." bundeswehr-journal. 26 April 2017. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
24. ^ Hanuschke, Peter (9 August 2018). "Kieler Allianz fordert Blohm+Voss heraus". WESER-KURIER (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
25. ^ "Marine: Niederländische Damen-Werft erhält Zuschlag für Mehrzweckkampfschiff". www.handelsblatt.com.
26. ^ NDR. "Vergabestreit um Marine-Großauftrag". www.ndr.de (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
27. ^ Hanuschke, Peter (14 May 2020). "Marineschiffbau: Lürssen und German Naval Yards kooperieren". WESER-KURIER (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
28. ^ a b "Dutch leading role for German frigate project MKS-180". www.damen.com. Archived from the original on 23 June 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
29. ^ Manaranche, Martin (19 June 2020). "Damen leading role for German Navy's MKS 180 frigate project". Naval News.
30. ^ "Bundestag awards €6 billion for German Navy's four MKS 180 ships". 18 June 2020.
31. ^ "Bundestags-Haushaltsausschuss billigt neue Kriegsschiffe MKS180 – Augen geradeaus!". augengeradeaus.net. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
32. ^ "Thales to Supply Tacticos and AWWS for German Navy's Future MKS 180 Frigates". Naval News. 18 November 2020. Retrieved 20 November 2020.
33. ^ "Wärtsilä SAM to provide eSI solutions for German Navy's F126 frigates". Naval Today. 26 November 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
34. ^ "OSI to German Navy F126 Program with Integrated Bridge Management Systems". Naval News. 8 October 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
35. ^ "Rolls-Royce to supply Platform Management System for F126 Frigates". Naval News. 25 January 2022. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
36. ^ "Damen agrees with ABB Marine to support power systems of F126 frigates". Naval News. 11 May 2022. Retrieved 12 May 2022.
37. ^ "Germany's F126 frigates to use propulsion systems by RENK". Naval News. 23 June 2022. Retrieved 23 June 2022.
38. ^ "German Navy expands CBRN capabilities with advanced detection systems for F126 frigates". Army Recognition. 10 September 2024.
39. ^ "Bau der ersten Fregatte F126 in Wolgast hat begonnen". www.bundeswehr.de (in German). 7 December 2023. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
40. ^ "Flaggschiff der Zeitenwende: Deutschland startet mit der Fregatte F126 sein teuerstes Marine-Projekt". www.kreiszeitung.de (in German). 23 April 2024. Retrieved 24 April 2024.
41. ^ Thomas Newdick (7 December 2023). "Work Starts On Germany's Biggest Warship Since World War II". The War Zone.
42. ^ Jaime Karremann (27 November 2023). "Damen dicht bij start bouw Duitse fregatten". Marineschepen.nl (in Dutch).
43. ^ "Damen Cuts First Steel for German F126 Frigates". Naval News. 5 December 2023.
44. ^ "Damen cuts steel of first F126 frigates for German Navy". Navy Recognition. 7 December 2023.
45. ^ Preuß, Olaf (21 April 2022). "Flagge zeigen in Zeiten des Krieges (in German)".
46. ^ "Damen, HSVA to test German Navy's F126 model frigate". Naval Today. 27 April 2021. Retrieved 6 May 2022.
47. ^ Fatima Bahtić (6 June 2024). "Keel laid for German Navy's first F126 frigate". Naval Today.
48. ^ Jaime Karremann (4 June 2024). "Damen legt kiel van nieuw Duits fregat". Marineschepen.nl (in Dutch).
49. ^ "Germany Lays Keel of First F126 Frigate". Naval News. 4 June 2024.
50. ^ ES&T Redaktion (4 June 2024). "Rüstungsprojekt Fregatte F 126: Kiellegung der Baunummer 1: Fregatte "Niedersachsen"". esut.de (in German). Retrieved 5 June 2024.
51. ^ a b Felstead, Peter (4 June 2024). "Keel laid in Wolgast for first German F126 frigate - European Security & Defence". euro-sd.com. Retrieved 4 June 2024.
52. ^ NDR. "Gescheiterter Marine-Auftrag: Günther kritisiert Bund". www.ndr.de (in German). Retrieved 28 July 2020.
53. ^ "Günther und Buchholz fordern vom Bund klare Perspektive für den Marine-Schiffbau".
54. ^ "Zukunft für den Marineschiffbau in Deutschland: Forderungen an Bundesregierung und Unternehmen" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 28 July 2020.
55. ^ "Kabinett beschließt wie erwartet: Marineschiffbau wird Schlüsseltechnologie – Augen geradeaus!". augengeradeaus.net. Retrieved 28 July 2020.
56. ^ "Koalitionsvertrag zwischen CDU, CSU und SPD 19. Legislaturperiode" (PDF). p. 58.

## Further reading

[edit]

* Peruzzi, Luca (2020). "Higher-end and medium-size frigate programmes in Europe". EDR Magazine. No. 54\. pp. 14–23.

* v
* t
* e

Ship classes of the German Navy

Destroyers|

* 119 Zerstörer-1
* 101 Hamburg
* 103 Lütjens

Frigates|

* 120 Köln
* 122 Bremen
* 123 Brandenburg
* 124 Sachsen
* 125 Baden-Württemberg
* F126 frigate
* F127 frigate

Corvettes|

* 130 Braunschweig

Fast attack craft|

* 149 Silbermöwe
* 140 Jaguar
* 141 Seeadler
* 152 Hugin
* 142 Zobel
* 153 Klasse
* 148 Tiger
* 143 Albatros
* 143A Gepard

Gunboats|

* 420 Thetis

Mine warfare|

* 320 Lindau
* 332 Frankenthal
* 333 Kulmbach
* 352 Ensdorf
* 742A Mühlhausen

Submarines|

* XXI Wilhelm Bauer
* XXIII Hai/Hecht
* 201
* 202
* 205B
* 206A
* 212A
* 212CD

Training ships|

* 440 Deutschland
* 441 Gorch Fock

Auxiliary ships|

* 401 Rhein
* 402 Mosel
* 403 Lahn
* 404 Elbe
* 423 Oste
* 520 Barbe
* 701 Lüneburg
* 702 Berlin
* 703 Walchensee
* 704 Rhön
* 707
* 711 Hiev
* 720 Fehmarn
* 721 Eisvogel
* 722 Wangerooge
* 738 Bottsand
* 745 Stollergrund
* 748 Schwedeneck
* 751 Planet
* 760 Westerwald

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