Against a complex backdrop marked by multiple problems and delays, the German Navy’s F126 frigate program could be handed to Rheinmetall’s newly created naval division as the prime contractor in an effort to shorten projected timelines—thus “saving” it from potential cancellation in the near term. The development comes more than six months after the Bundestag’s Defense Committee (Germany’s parliament) called for ending construction of the so-called Niedersachsen class, arguing that the Dutch shipbuilder Damen would not be able to meet the agreed terms—an outcome that, if implemented, would open the door to acquiring new ships.
In response to queries from specialized German media, a spokesperson for Rheinmetall’s recently established naval division stated: “We want to further accelerate the manufacturing process and, together with the customer, significantly streamline the acceptance procedures, while at the same time ensuring full operational capability.” In a later excerpt, the same source said the company is assessing the best available options, noting that: “The data has been transferred correctly (Ed. note: from Damen) and they are already accelerating the production ramp-up at the shipyards.”
In this regard, it is worth recalling that Damen faced major issues with its design software, which had a significant impact on defining the ship’s characteristics and communicating them to German industrial partners—delaying the program by several years, according to local analysts’ estimates. The Rheinmetall spokesperson quoted above even stated that additional design work may be necessary before moving on to prototype construction, and that once that is completed, the current goal would be to begin the test period starting in 2028. The first delivery, if this roadmap is met, would take place in the early part of the next decade.
It should be noted at this point that Berlin has not yet awarded a formal contract to Rheinmetall to move the program forward, while the company remains in an extensive assessment phase regarding the program’s current status and its own ability to bring it to completion. Along those lines, Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said during a video call with various German experts that a final decision could be made within the next two months at the latest. Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) has outlined a similar path, stating that the evaluation phase would conclude next April.
Finally, it should be considered that, in parallel, the Bundestag has already formally initiated the preliminary process to procure new MEKO A-200 frigates from shipbuilder TKMS. This provides the German government with a concrete back-up plan, under which preparatory work has already begun, aiming to have the first ship by 2029—an effort for which Berlin has already invested around €50 million; a contract that, however, runs through the end of the current month. Should Germany choose to proceed to the next stage, the additional investment required would be roughly €240 million, making it one of the items on the German legislature’s agenda.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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