Brandenburg-class frigates to begin upgrade
The F123 Brandenburg-class frigates replaced the German Navy's four Type 101 Hamburg-class destroyers, which retired from service in 1994. (Photo: Saab)
The German Navy needs its four Brandenburg-class frigates equipped to face the maritime challenges of the era of so-called Great Power Competition.
The first of four Federal German Navy’s Brandenburg-class (Type 123) frigates is set to begin a modernisation programme to improve its radar, fire control and combat systems.
A spokesperson from the German Armed Forces told Shephard that the first-of-class will start the upgrade process at the end of 2022 to be completed by 2024, adding: ‘Then an extended test period and evaluation process is planned.’
The upgrade programme – known as Sicherstellen der Einsatzverfügbarkeit (SdEV F123) — is led by Saab, which is providing the equipment with work undertaken at the Abeking & Rasmussen shipyard with ESG completing logistical support.
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