Germany pivots from F126 to eight MEKO frigates to boost ASW and NATO readiness

Germany is cancelling the six F126-class frigate program due to delays and rising costs, and intends to buy eight MEKO A-200 frigates (TKMS) to meet NATO anti-submarine obligations. The MEKO option would reuse the same Atlas Elektronik towed sonar and aims for quicker delivery, with first four ships priced around €6.3 billion and four more about €5.3 billion, pending Budget Committee approval. The lead MEKO is expected by late 2029, with subsequent ships roughly every nine months; the government is also reviewing potential damages claims related to the previous contractor.