Press Release via BAAINBw Bundeswehr Procurement Office – Translation by Naval News
Only months after construction had begun on the largest shipbuilding project in the history of the German Navy, the first of four ordered F126 frigates was laid down today, June 3, 2024. Attending the ceremony were Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, the Prime Minister of the state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Manuela Schwesig, and the Prime Minister of Niedersachsen (Lower Saxony), Stephan Weil.
“About half a year ago, in this place, the construction phase for the largest naval shipbuilding program for Bundeswehr had begun. With today’s keel laying we do not just celebrate a symbolical milestone on the way to our new class of frigates” said Minister Pistorius on occasion of the event. According to Pistorius the F126 frigate represents a unique ship featuring exceptional technological capabilities. As such it represents three aspects: The “Zeitenwende” political turning point, Germany’s contribution and support for the international rules-based order, and a competitive German industry.
The so called “Keel laying” is a traditional milestone with shipbuilding. Minister Pistorius, along with other guests of honor, nailed a coin onto a wooden board which the builder then added onto a bracing on the keel block of future frigate “Niedersachsen”.
The four F126 frigates are produced at several yards. The Peene-Yard in Wolgast produces the stern segments. German Naval Yards Kiel GmbH builds the bow segments, while Blohm+Voss Hamburg integrates sensors, effectors and performs final assembly of F126.
The first ship laid down in Kiel will be handed over to the German Navy in mid-2028. Until 2032 the other three frigates are to follow.
The F126 frigates are 167 m long, with a beam of ca 21 m and a displacement of ca 10,000 tons. Featuring a crew of 125 these ships are going to be capable of performing across the full intensity spectrum in a global setting, conducting three dimensional (anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine) naval warfare.
The most important tasks include sea control, the enforcement of embargoes, support of special forces and evacuation operations. In performing their missions the ships are supported by use of particular mission modules, adapting the frigate via standardised technical and personnel packages for particular deployments.