Third German F125 frigate named
The third of four 125 class frigates being built by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems for the German Navy has been named ‘Sachsen-Anhalt’ the company announced on 4 March. The frigate is expected to be delivered to the German defence procurement agency in early 2019.
The first frigate ‘Baden-Württemberg’ was named in December 2013, while the second ‘Nordrhein-Westfalen’ was named in April 2015. Sea trials of Baden-Württemberg are planned to commence in the spring, with delivery scheduled for mid-2017.
Hans Christoph Atzpodien, member, management board, Thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions, and chairman, supervisory board, Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, said: ‘The F125 frigate class is a completely new type of ship. With numerous innovations and a multiple-crew strategy it is a further showcase for the leading engineering expertise of German naval shipbuilding.’
The contract for the F125 programme was awarded in 2007 to the ARGE F125 consortium, which comprises Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as the lead company, Lürssen Werft building the pre-fitted bow sections, and Blohm+Voss Shipyards manufacturing the stern sections, joining the two sections and conducting further fittings.
The F125 frigates will replace Germany's eight Bremen type 122 class frigates. They are designed for national and alliance defence, international crisis management, conflict prevention and intervention/stabilisation operations.
The ships are capable of remaining at sea for 24 months at a time, a capability supported by a smaller crew and a multiple-crew strategy which permits a complete change of crew during deployment.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Hanwha wins Australian government approval to increase its stake in Austal
The contract would mean the two shipbuilders can collaborate strategically and enhance shipbuilding capabilities in Western Australia.
-
Royal Australian Navy sizes up modernisation plans for new and existing capabilities
The Australian navy is pushing ahead with its efforts to modernise its workforce and capabilities while balancing risky submarine upgrades, ageing Collins-class boats and a shrinking minehunter fleet. Head of navy capability RAdm Stephen Hughes updated Shephard on the force’s progress.
-
UK to join US Navy’s Virginia-class submarine assembly effort to speed up construction
The expansion of the Virginia-class submarine construction to UK shores could accelerate the project as US shipbuilders continue to fall short of delivery goals.
-
US Navy seeks new sensors for the CH-53K King Stallion heavy-lift helicopter
The US Navy intends to publish a draft request for proposals in Q2 2026 and conduct an open competition for the supply of new electro-optical and infrared capabilities for the CH-53K heavy-lift helicopter.
-
NATO naval exercises map out future USV requirements but raise questions on acquisition
Uncrewed surface vessels have shifted from a desirable capability to a critical one for navies. But should these systems be bought outright, rented as a service or rapidly built using commercial off-the-shelf components?