The future German F127 air defense frigates will be significantly more combat-ready than previously planned. As hartpunkt has learned from industry sources, the ships are to be equipped with a total of 96 cells for the Vertical Launch System (VLS).
By Lars Hoffman / Hartpunkt
Previously, it had been announced that the F127 frigates would be equipped with two Mk 41 VLS modules totaling 64 cells. The addition of 32 extra cells—representing a 50 percent increase in payload capacity—significantly enhances the ships’ magazine depth, providing greater combat endurance at sea.
The ships are being optimized for air defense and are intended to enable the German Navy for the first time to defend against ballistic missiles (Ballistic Missile Defence; BMD) and possibly also hypersonic weapons.
Sources close to the project indicate that, in addition to integrating further VLS cells, the ship design will be significantly improved to achieve a high standard of stability. The fundamental IT architecture, a crucial basis for later system integration, has also been defined. Due to the additional VLS cells, the frigates are expected to increase in length, beam, and displacement.
According to reports, TKMS and NVL have already established structures that will enable the coherent technical development of the vessel type. The two companies founded a joint venture for the project in September 2024, followed by the release of initial funding in December of last year. The project is currently in the negotiation and feasibility study phase. This first project phase, prior to contract award, involves the project team preparing the design of the F127 and the bid.
To ensure the German Navy receives the new frigates as soon as possible, TKMS and NVL have reached initial planning milestones, according to industry sources. If an order is placed, expected in the summer of 2026, the team aims to begin production as quickly as possible. The goal is to commission the first unit by the mid-2030s to replace the then-obsolete F124 class.
A TKMS spokesperson explained to hartpunkt upon request: “Preliminary work for the F127 is in full swing. The maturity level of the preliminary project is on schedule and will significantly facilitate successful and timely implementation after the contract is awarded. The industry team has made a considerable upfront investment – for a project of this size and strategic importance, this was absolutely essential.”
After initially planning to procure only five frigates with an option for one more, the German Armed Forces now intend to acquire eight ships, which will be equipped with the AEGIS command and weapon control system from Lockheed Martin and the Spy-6 radar from Raytheon.
Politico magazine reported several months ago that the draft budget proposal for the Budget Committee, scheduled for June of next year, includes approximately €26 billion for the new “Air Defender” frigates. This sum likely includes the cost of armament. The high figure could also be attributed to the additional VLS air defense systems and their weaponry. The only question is whether, given their armament and expected size, these frigates can still be classified as such, or whether they are in fact destroyers.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at Hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
