Germany To Buy Four More MEKO A-200 DEU (F128) Frigates From Option
The Bundestag budget committee has approved funding for four more MEKO A-200 DEU (F128) frigates. The German Navy's total order will reach 8 ships, with industry pledging to deliver the first frigate in 2029.
Germany will buy 4 more MEKO A-200 DEU (F128) class frigates that were held as an option, despite lawsuits and objections. This was reported by the country's defense ministry: the Bundestag budget committee approved the funds for the purchase, Defense Express writes.
In total, 8 ships of this class will be ordered for the German Navy, which is as many as was planned from the start. Industry has committed to deliver the first frigate as early as 2029.
The MEKO A-200 DEU frigates will be used to fulfill Germany's commitments to NATO, including in anti-submarine warfare. The ministry notes that the ships fully meet the tasks set for them.
The defense ministry also mentioned the previous F126 project, which was being built by the Dutch company Damen. According to the ministry, violations were found in the project's implementation, and after a comprehensive assessment the government decided to terminate the contract with the contractor. Details of Damen's lawsuit against Germany over the cancellation of the F126 contract were published recently. Now parliament is approving the entire planned fleet from an alternative supplier.
The budget committee approved the first 4 MEKO A-200 DEU (F128) frigates back in July 2026. An option for 4 more ships remained at that time, which was not approved immediately because of increased risks. These ships could also be built with the involvement of not only TKMS but also other companies that took part in the F126 work.