The German Navy will receive its urgently needed extra maritime power through an additional procurement of two F126 frigates. Last week, the Budget Committee of the German Bundestag gave the green light for the procurement of a fifth and sixth vessel. Today, the Procurement Organization of the German Armed Forces (BAAINBw) gave us at Damen Naval the official go-ahead to expand the original contract of four multipurpose frigates to six vessels.
“This is good news, and we are honored that our German client has the confidence in us and the F126 design to order two more ships,” says Damen Naval Managing Director Roland Briene. “With this decision, we will be able to expand the ‘Niedersachsen’ class to six ships. It is the quickest way to expand and modernize the surface fleet of the German Navy. This decision also benefits the German procurement organization and the involved industry. Having more ships of the same class brings many advantages.”
The first frigate is due to be delivered in 2028. Ship five and six will be delivered in 2033 and 2034 respectively. Construction of the two additional F126 frigates also takes place entirely in Germany.