Thales Netherlands has commissioned Atlas Elektronik to equip the F126 frigates for Germany with anti-submarine warfare mission modules (F126 MM ASW). The contract includes the delivery of two shipboard ASW mission modules as well as a corresponding shore facility for initial and support training of the German Navy.
The mission modules enable the F126-class frigates to conduct long-range ASW operations and to build up an extensive subsurface picture. The modular system approach chosen for the F126-class allows for mission-specific equipment of the frigates and at the same time non-ship-specific deployment of the ASW modules.
To provide the German Navy with the best possible support in fulfilling its missions, the latest active and passive sonar technology from Atlas Eletronik will be used for the mission modules.
Michael Ozegowski, CEO of Atlas Elektronik: ‘With the F126 MM ASW, we are launching a new, very powerful ASW system to meet both the current and the future challenges of our customers.’
Also read: The ins and outs of building the F126 frigate for Germany
Four frigates ordered with Damen
The contract already formally entered into force on 1 September 2022. The frigate F126 (originally known as the MKS 180 multi-role combat ship) is being built in cooperation between the Dutch Damen Shipyards Group, the Thales Group and Blohm+Voss with the involvement of German Naval Yards.
Damen will build four such frigates. The contract included an option for two more, but the German Ministry of Defence will not make use of this due to budgetary violations.
Also read: Damen’s German F126 frigate contract will not be extended
Picture: 3D visualisation of an Atlas Elektronik F126 MM ASW system.
