Image source: topwar.ru
The Budget Committee of the German Parliament approved the extension of the validity of the preliminary agreement (signed in January 2026), which provides for the possibility of concluding a contract with the shipbuilder TKMS for the supply of 4 MEKO A-200 DEU frigates. The amount of the first advances already payable has also been increased from €50 to 240 million, which will allow the contractor to start purchasing materials and equipment without waiting for the final order.
The German command believes that the acquisition of the MEKO A-200 frigate, developed by TKMS for foreign buyers, will be an excellent solution for rapidly increasing the capabilities of the German Navy, primarily in the field of missile defense, which "will reduce the threat from Russian submarines operating in the North Atlantic and adjacent waters." The first ship of this type is expected to be delivered by the end of 2029.
Earlier, the Navy planned to acquire larger frigates of the F126 type, for the supply of which the Dutch company Damen Naval is responsible. However, it has faced serious problems and delays, which makes the prospects of the program rather vague. Against this background, it was decided to purchase the MEKO A-200 DEU, and transfer the implementation of the F126 project to another contractor, the new Rheinmetall Naval Systems structure, negotiations are continuing and are expected to be completed this summer.
Image source: topwar.ru
The German company plans to tow the fore and aft parts of the F126 hull, built separately in Wolgast and Cologne, to the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg in early 2028 to complete the construction of the ship. Allegedly, this will allow the transfer of the first F126 frigate in the second half of 2031, which is three years later than originally planned.
The Western press notes about this:
