Introducing the F126 Frigate Project
In June 2020, after a multi-year European competitive tender process, Damen Naval and the German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) signed a contract for the design and construction of four MKS 180 multi-purpose combat ships for the German Navy. Later that year, the ship was reclassified as the Frigate Class 126 (F126).
Global Operations
With a length of 166 metres and a displacement of up to 10,000 tonnes, the F126 frigates will be the largest in the German naval fleet. These will be capable of operating in all latitudes ; from the tropics all the way to polar regions. Damen’s highly automated and low maintenance design will allow the German Navy to operate the ship continuously with a core crew of 114 (rotating every four months) for up to two years.
Forward Thinking Power Generation
A Multi-Purpose Naval Platform
Damen Naval is designing the F126 frigates to meet the German Navy’s primary requirement of providing multi-purpose combat capability to national and allied naval forces. This will enable deployment in a broad range of military operations from maritime surveillance, embargo control and military evacuation at one end of the scale, to full command of a naval task force at the other.
One Design – Multiple Uses
The F126 frigate will be a flexible multi-mission platform; one type of vessel that can be utilized in a variety of situations. This will be achieved by modularity. Depending on the specific needs of the German Navy, dedicated mission modules can be installed when needed. Damen is designing the modules so that they can be interchanged without the need for a lengthy commissioning period.
Technical Prowess
The F126 frigates will be equipped with state-of-the-art technologies regarding redundancy, survivability and detectability. In terms of sensors and weapons, this includes a Combat Management System supported by a comprehensive array of Anti-Air Warfare (AAW), Above Water Warfare System (AWWS) and Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) systems.
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