All articles tagged with #german navy
German lawmakers have approved funding for four additional MEKO A-200 frigates, completing an eight-ship fleet for the German Navy. This decision follows the cancellation of the troubled F126 program with Damen Naval, which had cost over €2 billion without delivering a vessel. The new contract with TKMS is valued at €11.6 billion, with the first ship scheduled for delivery in 2029.
The German Navy completed a successful live-fire trial of IAI’s Naval LORA ballistic missile as part of its Marine 2035 OPEX initiative, launching from an operational vessel with a launcher and command trailer to hit a target with precision and meet all objectives. OPEX is Germany’s approach to accelerate innovation for the Marine 2035 and beyond, leveraging NAVAL LORA’s maritime deep-strike capability, comprised of missile, launcher, and command-and-control. IAI and German officials highlighted the collaboration between Israel and Germany and described the test as a milestone in defense cooperation and deterrence.
Saab has secured a SEK 8.7 billion contract with TKMS to deliver and integrate combat systems, composite structures and sensors on four German Navy MEKO A-200 DEU (F128) frigates, with deliveries planned from 2029–2032 and an option to equip additional ships. The package includes 9LV Combat System (Fire Control and Combat Management), Sea Giraffe 4A radar, Sea Giraffe 1X radar, and passive sensors, with production in Germany under TKMS as prime contractor.
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.
A German naval frigate deployed to the Red Sea almost shot down a US drone by mistake while on a mission to protect commercial ships from attacks by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. The incident occurred when the frigate attempted to identify an unknown drone, which turned out to be a US Reaper reconnaissance drone. Fortunately, the missiles fired at the drone missed their target due to a technical defect. The friendly-fire incident highlighted the need for improved coordination between allies involved in various missions in the region.
The German air warfare frigate F221 HESSEN has departed Wilhelmshaven on February 8, heading for the Red Sea to support military efforts protecting shipping against missile and drone attacks by the Yemen-based Houthi militia. The deployment is part of Operation Aspides, aiming to secure sea lanes in the region. The frigate is considered the most suitable combatant for the mission due to its advanced armament and capabilities. This deployment highlights the evolving threat environment and may prompt the German Navy to reassess its force posture requirements.
The German navy frigate "Hessen" has set sail to join a planned EU mission to protect ships from Houthi attacks in the Red Sea, as the rebels have targeted merchant ships in support of Palestinians amid Israel's conflict with Hamas. The EU mission, dubbed Operation Aspides, aims to deploy warships and airborne early warning systems to safeguard cargo ships in the vital trade route. The US and UK have also conducted airstrikes against Houthi targets, with the Red Sea and Suez Canal serving as crucial passages for global trade.
The German air defense frigate Hessen has departed for the Red Sea to join an international naval protection force amid ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels on merchant vessels. The ship's deployment under the EU's Aspides mission is expected to last for a few months, with the likelihood of combat action being high. This mission marks a shift from the ship's previous NATO duties, and comes as Houthi attacks continue despite efforts by the U.S. and U.K. to curtail the group's weapons-launching capabilities.