Parts of this article (those related to F126 frigate project cancelation) need to be updated. (June 2026) |
The MEKO A-200 DEU class, also known as the F128, is a frigate based on the MEKO 200.
| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | MEKO A-200 DEU |
| Builders | TKMS |
| Operators |  German Navy (planned) |
| Cost | |
| In service | Planned for 2029[2] |
| Planned | 8 (as of june 2026)[3] |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Frigate |
| Displacement | 3,950 tonnes[1] |
| Length | 121 m (397 ft 0 in)[1] |
| Beam | 16.4 m (53 ft 10 in)[1] |
| Draft | 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)[1] |
| Propulsion | CODAG-WARP[1] |
| Speed | ≤ 29 kn (54 km/h; 33 mph)[1] |
| Complement | 125 (core crew) + 49 additional personnel[1] |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
| Armament | |
| Aircraft carried |
|
| Aviation facilities | Aircraft hangar with 1 NH90 or 2 lighter helicopters, and UAVs[7] (note: the hangar can be shared with 2 TEU-sized mission modules)[7][8] |
| Notes | Stealth hull shape (X-shape) with a reduced infrared signature[1] |
History
editBackground
editThe Niedersachsen-class frigate (F126 / MKS180) was designed as a successor to the Brandenburg-class frigate (F123), and was intended to be used as a multi-role frigate with a focus on the anti-submarine warfare mission. In June 2020, the BAAINBw signed a contract with Damen for the design and the construction of four F126 ships.[9] The contract was later extended to six ships, and with an entry in service in 2028.[10]
As of early 2026, the problems of software compatibility between Damen (the designer and general contractor) and the shipyards (Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, and Peene-shipyard in Wolgast) delayed the project with a lack of visibility for solutions.[10]
Development
editThe German government and the German parliament prepared an interim solution that came into fruition in February 2026, when the BAAINBw signed a preliminary agreement with TKMS for the preparation of the development of the project. In February 2026, the objective is to deliver the first frigate in 2029. As part of the agreement, there is a budget of €50 million that cover initial procurement and work on the project, but no production contract was signed.[2]
In March 2026, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved a budget increased to €240 million for the acquisition of four F128 MEKO A-200 DEU.[1]
In June 2026, the Bundeswehr officially announced that the F126 Niedersachsen-class frigate program was cancelled and that eight (8) F128 would be acquired.[11]
Design
editThe design has been initiated in February 2026, more details on the technical choices will follow.[12]
Operators
editFuture operators
editThe ship is being designed to answer the needs of the German Navy. As of March 2026, no other nation has shown interest in this specific variant of the MEKO family.[12]
References
edit- 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 "MEKO A-200 DEU – Deutschland will 4 neue Kriegsschiffe" (in German). 2026-03-19. Archived from the original on 1 April 2026. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- 1 2 "German MEKO A-200 DEU frigates: TKMS and BAAINBw sign preliminary agreement". 6 February 2026. Archived from the original on 7 February 2026.
- ↑ "Umstieg auf kleinere Kampfschiffe: Pistorius beendet Rüstungsprojekt für Fregatte F126" [Switch to smaller combat ships: Pistorius ends F126 frigate armament project.]. Tagesspiegel (in German). 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- ↑ "F127 – Procurement process for new air defense frigates can start". Hartpunkt. 18 December 2024.
- ↑ "Deutsche Marine erhält neues Waffensystem" (in German). 2024-03-15. Retrieved 2025-05-26.
- ↑ "Nachfolger Marineleichtgeschütz – neue Flottendienstboote der Deutschen Marine sollen mit Maschinenkanonen bewaffnet werden" (in German). 2025-06-11. Retrieved 2025-06-12.
- 1 2 "Germany Prepares to Buy MEKO A-200 Frigates After F126 Delays". 22 January 2026. Archived from the original on 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "SH Defence - Naval Mission Modularity" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 1 April 2026.
- ↑ "Introducing the F126 Frigate Project | Damen". www.damen.com. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- 1 2 Hill, John (2026-03-19). "Germany to buy off-the-shelf MEKO frigates amid F126 delay". Naval Technology. Retrieved 2026-04-01.
- ↑ "Umstieg auf kleinere Kampfschiffe: Pistorius beendet Rüstungsprojekt für Fregatte F126" [Switch to smaller combat ships: Pistorius ends F126 frigate armament project.]. Tagesspiegel (in German). 24 June 2026. Retrieved 24 June 2026.
- 1 2 Staff, Naval News (2026-02-06). "German MEKO A-200 DEU frigates: TKMS and BAAINBw sign preliminary agreement". Naval News. Retrieved 2026-04-21.