According to a statement by the Bundestag, the German armed forces (Bundeswehr) are procuring four multi-purpose combat ships MKS 180 for an amount around 5.6 billion euros, including land facilities for training.
In the contract, the Bundeswehr keeps an option open for the procurement of two additional ships.
According to the statement, the special features of the MKS multipurpose combat ship 180 are that it is equipped for air defence as well as for surface (ASuW) and underwater warfare (ASW). Particular emphasis is placed on the ability to combat submarines.
Initial MKS180 selection and GNYK complaint
For the record, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) announced on January 14th that Dutch shipyard Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding B.V. won the MKS 180 Multi-Purpose Combat Ship tender. Damen is partnering with Blohm+Voss and Thales to supply the German Navy with at least four MKS 180 frigates. However, GERMAN NAVAL YARDS Kiel (GNYK), who was competing in the tender, submitted a formal complaint on January 24th. It appears that the announcement on May 14, of a long-term cooperation agreement in naval shipbuilding between Lürssen and GNYK resolved all issues and the MKS 180 program is now back on track.
Subsequently, the German MoD officially confirmed that German Naval Yards withdrew their request to review the contract and that Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding was officially the winner of the tender for the construction of the ships.
About MKS 180
The German Navy describes the Multi-purpose Combat Ship 180 (MehrzweckKampfSchiff ) as an “all-rounder”. The future vessel will be fit for a wide range of tasks thanks to its mission modules – with superiority in full fledged naval warfare at the extreme end of the spectrum.
The MKS 180 will be a multi-mission platform. Built-in modules designed for specific military missions will make this possible. These mission modules are at the heart of what “multipurpose combat ship” means in practice.
MKS 180 Missions:
- Self-defense and combat missions
- Creation of a maritime picture above and under water
- Maritime surveillance and embargo control, including VBSS
- Military evacuation in crisis situations
- Escort for merchant ships
- Command of a naval task force
MKS 180 Main Characteristics
- Length: approximately 155 meters at waterline
- Displacement: maximum 9,000 tonnes
- Accommodation: 110 crew, 70 passengers
- Operating endurance: 24 months
- Operating area: worldwide
- Ice class: 1C / E1 for sea areas with ice formation
- Service life: 30 years
