Leonardo to equip German F126 frigates
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun. (Photo: Leonardo)
Damen has selected Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defence systems to equip the German Navy’s four new F126 frigates.
Under the contract, Leonardo will also supply maintenance, simulators and support for the integration and commissioning of the system.
Damen Naval, alongside partners Blohm+Voss and Thales, is building the four ships for Germany, having been selected for the work in 2020.
The four ships will be delivered between 2028 and 2031, with an option to provide two optional extra vessels after 2032.
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun can utilise a range of ammunition, including standard 127mm and guided long-range and ballistic extended range rounds.
Leonardo said the gun extends a naval unit’s defensive capability up to ranges of 85km whilst maintaining accuracy.
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano weapon system can already be found on the German Navy’s Baden-Württemberg F125 frigates.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
MKS 180 Programme (1-4) [Germany]
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
US Coast Guard enhances Arctic protection with a new Fast Response Cutter
After commissioning, FRC Frederick Mann will operate in Alaska and perform multiple missions.
-
US Coast Guard announces measures to further implement Force Design 2028 strategy
The US Coast Guard (USCG) created new units, including five Programme Executive Offices (PEOs), to facilitate and speed up the procurement of new capabilities.
-
Future of the US Navy’s Arleigh Burke programme remains unclear
The US Navy does not have a precise date for the award of the procurement contract for the third Arleigh Burke-class destroyer despite having the funds to advance with the programme in FY2025.
-
US Navy may look to foreign suppliers to accelerate shipbuilding programmes
The US Navy (USN) is currently reassessing its acquisition efforts and seeking ways to reduce the multiple delays across the shipbuilding initiatives.
-
Italy orders two ships as work begins on others along with deliveries and updates
The Italian Navy is being refreshed with two new ships ordered, while in the past six months steel was cut for a new frigate, an enhanced frigate was delivered and Horizon-class frigates passed a design review.