Germany formally approves Type F127 air-defense frigate program

During a parliamentary session, Germany approved the procurement and the launching of several programs including additional four submarines and also the start of the F127 frigate program for the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) as part of a more global 21 billion euros acquisition plan.

TKMS – leader of the program reacted as follow in a LinkedIn post:

“Green light for the F127 air defense frigate: A decisive step for the future of maritime security in Germany!

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag has given the go-ahead for the F127 project by approving the 25 million bill. This decision marks the start of planning for the next generation of sea-based air defense and secures Germany’s leading technological position in naval shipbuilding.

Important facts about the F127:
High added value in Germany: 90% of the order volume remains in Germany.
Industrial jobs: Up to 1,500 jobs at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems in Wismar.
Key strategic technologies: Securing and expanding expertise in the construction of complex naval vessels.
Security policy responsibility: Closes capability gaps in air defense and underlines Germany’s reliability within NATO.

The market-ready MEKO A-400 AMD design enables a seamless succession to the F124 frigates, which will have to be replaced at the beginning of the 2030s. This sends a clear signal that Germany is strengthening its defense capabilities and fulfilling its international obligations.

Together with NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen) and other partners, we look forward to building on the extensive preparatory work and driving this important project forward – for the security and future of our maritime economy and defense!“

The German Navy has formulated a requirement for up to six ships, but the final figure remains undetermined at this stage. The Zielbild considers five F127 to replace the existing three F124 ships. Likewise, the exact configuration of the ship is still unknown, but we should be able to learn more as construction progresses.

Germany intends to have the first F127 air-defense frigate in service by around 2034. TKMS has set up a joint venture with NVL Group in September for the construction of the vessels. The builder has indicated that construction could begin as soon as 2025 but this remains to be formally confirmed.

About TKMS A-400 AMD frigate

The type F127 will be based on MEKO A-400 AMD anti-air warfare frigate design from the German shipbuilder TKMS specifically meant to fulfill German Navy requirements for the replacement of the F124 AAW combatants by the mid-2030s.

The MEKO A-400 AMD design has a displacement of 10,000 tons. The hull length is 160 m with a beam of 21 m and a draft of 5.5 m. These figures represent a very notable size increase over the company’s existing F125 design, promoted for export as MEKO A 400. Propulsion is not specified but appears to feature two gas turbines and two diesel engines. This arrangement allows a top speed of 32 knots. The range is 4,000 nautical miles with an endurance of more than 30 days.The design furthermore includes hangar space for two NH-90 sized helicopters. Space for two ISO containers next to the antiship missile launchers allows additional mission flexibility.

AEGIS is the specified combat management system. A-400 AMD features four large AESA panels for Raytheon’s AN/SPY-6 or AN/SPY-7 , in addition to smaller panels for a possible X-band AESA. The Lockheed Martin-developed radar is used by the Spanish F110-frigate. Canada also selected the system for their new “River”-class destroyer, known as the Canadian Surface Combatant (CSC).

In addition to either a SPY-6 or SPY-7 radar suite, pending a respective decision by Berlin, the ship can accommodate an additional radar-model. Their purpose would notionally be to incorporate weapon systems not integrated into the AEGIS/SPY-combination. Such a choice could include incorporating another combat management system such as the Canadian CMS-330. The step would facilitate vertical integration between all desired effectors and sensors, as previously reported in German defence media.

The design offers 64 cells for the Mk 41 VLS, divided into two groups of 32 cells. For Germany the primary effectors using this launcher would be SM-2- and SM-6 long range SAM to provide air and ballistic missile defence. Quadpacked ESSM provide medium range SAM-capability. The cells would be strike-length and support a notional requirement also for land-attack capability through Tomahawk LACM. Additionally this configuration would support exoatmospheric ballistic missile defence via SM-3-family interceptors. The usual two RIM-116 RAM 21 round-launchers together with eight box launchers for NSM antiship missiles complete missile armament.

Guns carried include the OTO 127/64 LW main gun by Leonardo and multiple small calibre autocannons. The German MLG-27, which previously filled this requirement, will likely see replacement by a new system capable of providing enhanced defence against drone attacks. Two laser weapons positioned ahead of the bridge and on the hangar are the final notable aspect of armament on MEKO A-400 AMD. The overall design resembles Rheinmetall’s 20 kW beam combiner-based fibre laser. Considering ongoing development such a weapon is unlikely to be part of an initial configuration.

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