German naval shipbuilder Thyssen Krupp Marine Systems (TKMS) at Euronaval 2024 in Paris has displayed a model of their MEKO A-400 AMD anti-air warfare frigate. The design aims at the German Navy requirement for replacing three current F124 AAW frigates, designated the Sachsen-class by the mid-2030s.
As Naval News has reported previously, the MEKO A-400 AMD is a 10,000 ton displacement combatant designed around the AEGIS combat system supporting an AN/SPY-type AESA radar. The model, which was showcased for the first time, is identical to graphics TKMS has presented as part of their publicity campaign in early July 2024.
AEGIS-Combatant With Robust Armament
In addition to either a SPY-6 or SPY-7 radar suite, pending a respective decision by Berlin, the ship can accommodate an additional radar-model. The ship model and graphics show a set of rectangular panels above the notional SPY-6 radar. Their purpose would notionally be to incorporate weapon systems not integrated into the AEGIS/SPY-combination. Such a choice could include incorporating another combat management system such as the Canadian CMS-330. The step would facilitate vertical integration between all desired effectors and sensors, as previously reported in German defence media.
Apart from the matter of selecting a particular radar and CMS-combination, the design offers 64 cells for the Mk 41 VLS, divided into two groups of 32 cells. For Germany the primary effectors using this launcher would be SM-2- and SM-6 long range SAM to provide air and ballistic missile defence. Quadpacked ESSM provide medium range SAM-capability. The cells would be strike-length and support a notional requirement also for land-attack capability through Tomahawk LACM. Additionally this configuration would support exoatmospheric ballistic missile defence via SM-3-family interceptors. The usual two RIM-116 RAM 21 round-launchers together with eight box launchers for NSM antiship missiles complete missile armament.
Guns carried include the OTO 127/64 LW main gun by Leonardo and multiple small calibre autocannons. The German MLG-27, which previously filled this requirement, will likely see replacement by a new system capable of providing enhanced defence against drone attacks. Two laser weapons positioned ahead of the bridge and on the hangar are the final notable aspect of armament on MEKO A-400 AMD. The overall design resembles Rheinmetall’s 20 kW beam combiner-based fibre laser. Considering ongoing development such a weapon is unlikely to be part of an initial configuration.
As per Naval News’ previous reporting other key specifications include two gas turbines coupled with two diesel engines. The arrangement allows a top speed of 32 knots. MEKO A-400 AMD has a range of 4,000 nautical miles at an endurance of 30 days. The design furthermore includes hangar space for two NH-90 sized helicopters. Space for two ISO containers next to the antiship missile launchers allows additional mission flexibility.
F127 Program Requiring Near Term Decision
The German Navy has a requirement for up to six new AAW-frigates. The ships would replace the three Sachsen-class combatants, when they reach their end of life from the mid-2030s. Recent reporting suggested Berlin may have reduced the final figure to five hulls. The overall increase both in quantity and quality is in line with the “Zielbild Marine 2035+” future German force structure.
Naval News has reached out to TKMS regarding the current status of their effort vis a vis F127. However the company has not responded to enquiries either by email or in person at Euronaval 2024.
Germany intends to have the first F127 FFG in service by around 2034. TKMS set up a joint venture with Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) in September to further a MEKO A-400 AMD-bid. The builder has indicated that construction of such a design could begin as soon as 2025.
