The German Bundestag’s Budget Committee has approved the procurement of four MEKO A-200 DEU-class frigates as an alternative to the failed F126 project. The approval includes an option for additional vessels. It clears the way for the formal signing of the contract.
Just recently, Germany’s Ministry of Defence cancelled the F126 frigate order it had signed with Damen Naval due to delays and cost overruns. At the time of this announcement, the Ministry already announced it had its sights set on the MEKO frigates as replacements for the F126.
In addition to this frigate type already being proven in practice, the vessels come with a significantly lower price tag. The procurement cost for the first four MEKO-A-200-DEU frigates are expected to amount to around EUR 6.3 billion. The option for four further ships could be exercised by the end of 2026 for around EUR 5.3 billion. The F126 frigates were to cost EUR 18 billion.
Also read: Germany scraps F126 frigate programme
MEKO frigates
The acronym MEKO stands for “multi-purpose combination”. The tried-and-tested modular concept allows patrol vessels, corvettes, frigates and small destroyers to be individually configured. Ships from the MEKO family are in service with many navies worldwide.
The MEKO A-200 DEU frigates are to strengthen German Navy capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare. In recent months, important preparatory work for the construction of the ships has already been completed, thereby laying the groundwork for the rapid implementation of the project.
Also read: AiP for TKMS’ autonomous unmanned watercraft
First delivery in 2029
The first frigate will be delivered to the German Navy as early as 2029. This is the largest surface vessels contract in TKMS’ history.
Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS: ‘We are aware of our responsibility to build these ships very quickly due to the security situation, as stipulated in the contracts. We will now address this together with our industry partners from across Germany. Timeline delivery is a key factor for us here.’
Picture: The MEKO A-200 DEU frigates are to strengthen German Navy capabilities, particularly in anti-submarine warfare (image by TKMS).
Also read: TKMS to upgrade German submarines for € 800 million
