First F125 frigate commissioned
The first F125 Baden-Württemberg frigate built by ARGE F125 and Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems was commissioned for the German Navy on 17 June.
The newly designed class F125 ships have highly complex systems and approximately 28,000 sensors. With a very high degree of automation and the ability to remain in their operational area for up to two years, it has been possible to halve the crew size in comparison to previous German frigate classes.
The vessels are designed to carry out maritime defence operations, as well as conflict prevention, crisis management and intervention, and stabilisation operations. They can defend against offshore and onshore attacks, and are equipped with anti-aircraft systems and helicopters specially equipped for submarine hunting.
The second class F125 ship, the Nordrhein-Westfalen will also be handed over the to navy this year. The third and fourth ships will follow over the coming two years.
The ARGE F125 consortium comprises Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems as the lead company and Fr Lürssen Werft in Bremen. The pre-fitted bow sections are being manufactured at the shipyards of the Lürssen Group in Bremen and Wolgast. Construction of the stern sections, the joining of the two sections and further fitting out was being carried out at Blohm+Voss Shipyards in Hamburg under the leadership of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
More from Naval Warfare
-
Swedish navy moves to final phase of Blekinge-class sub production with new Saab order
Saab Kockums was initially awarded the contract to build two A26 submarines for the Royal Swedish Navy in 2015, but the programme has faced delays and escalating costs.
-
Germany goes for more US equipment for F127 frigates with SPY-6 radar choice
If the foreign military sale request is approved, Germany would be the first country outside the US to acquire the technology, which is currently used extensively by the US Navy.
-
US continues to review AUKUS submarine deal as HII ticks off new Virginia-class sea trials
The initial sea trials for Virginia-class SSN 798 conducted by Newport News Shipbuilding division and the US Navy marked an “important step”, but the ongoing AUKUS review casts a shadow over what the progress means for the partner nations.
-
US Navy seeks AI software suppliers to bolster air and missile defence
The US Navy is conducting market research to find AI software products for the Collaborative Integrated Air and Missile Defence Planning Programme.
-
Turkey’s Goksur naval missile completes first live-fire intercept
The Goksur will be available in a range of configurations and could be integrated into Turkey’s nascent Steel Dome which is designed to provide multi-layered protection against a range of aerial targets from mortars to aircraft.