Germany set to buy eight new F127-class frigates

Germany is preparing to expand its future fleet of F127-class frigates, with current planning now pointing to as many as eight ships. Until recently, the expectation had been to procure five vessels with an option for a sixth. The ships are to be built by TKMS and NVL, which have created a joint venture with TKMS holding the majority stake. The design will be based on the TKMS-developed MEKO A-400 AMD. The U.S. Aegis combat system, developed by Lockheed Martin, is planned as the central command and control suite. Another procurement decision looms over the F126-class frigates, designed primarily for anti-submarine warfare. That program has been delayed due to technical problems with the Dutch prime contractor Damen. According to reports, software issues prevented the proper transfer of design data to German yards. F127