F126 frigate programme
The F126 frigate programme is currently the largest shipbuilding programme for the German Navy. It covers six future-proof multi-mission frigates designed for global deployment and a broad range of maritime operations. The project contains around 80 percent German added value. The ships are fully built and integrated in Germany.
The F126 frigates are full-fledged combatants designed to operate across all latitudes and remain deployable for extended periods. A high degree of automation and an efficient maintenance concept support this requirement. The ships will be capable of cooperating with other NATO and EU naval assets.
Programme structure
The F126 programme is being delivered through a collaborative European industrial model. It continues to move forward through ongoing engineering, production preparation, construction and industrial coordination across several European locations. At the same time, the programme is in a period of transition in terms of main contractor. The customer, the German Ministry of Defence, Damen Naval and several industrial partners, are working to keep the programme moving forward. The first ship is under construction, with building underway at several German yards.
Design concept
The F126 frigates are designed as flexible, multi-mission platforms with extensive ASW capabilities. The design concept is based on modularity, which allows the platform to respond to changing operational requirements. It also gives the German Navy room to configure the vessels for different missions. The result is a design shaped for current requirements, while remaining adaptable and operationally relevant over the long term.
Industrial cooperation
The programme brings together a broad network of European partners, with a strong contribution from German industry alongside international suppliers. It answers the call for strengthening Europe’s defence (industry) capabilities, encouraging knowledge sharing across borders, and supporting long-term European maritime industrial cooperation.
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