Leonardo to equip German F126 frigates
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun. (Photo: Leonardo)
The frigates are being built entirely in German shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast.
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
-
![NATO to test the use of 5G in maritime communications]()
NATO to test the use of 5G in maritime communications
The Digital Backbone Experimentation 2025 in Latvia will assess the deployment of 5G in multidomain communications.
-
![FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h begins sea trials]()
FDI frigate Amiral Ronarc’h begins sea trials
The first in a new class of multipurpose frigate begins its real-sea testing two years after launch.
-
![Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet]()
Russia launches final Project 636.3 submarine for Pacific fleet
The Yakutsk, built by Admiralty Shipyards, is intended for service in the far east of the Russian Federation.
-
![Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics]()
Virginia-class submarines get contract modifications from General Dynamics
There are scheduled to be 51 Virginia-class submarines in the US fleet by the early 2030s.
-
![Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK]()
Steel cutting begins on third Type 31 Inspiration-class frigate in UK
HMS Formidable has begun steel cutting just 20 months after its predecessor vessel, HMS Active.
-
![HII launches new San Antonio-class vessel]()
HII launches new San Antonio-class vessel
The Harrisburg (LPD 30) will be the 14th vessel in the San Antonio-class.
