Saab with a large contract for German frigate F128

Saab will equip future four frigates of type F128 built for Deutsche Marine. Swedish company will provide a combat system, radar, passive sensors and composite superstructures. The value of the contract is approximately 8.7 billion Swedish krona.

Saab will provide combat and radar systems

Contract includes the supply and integration of a 9LV battleship system, including combat management and fire management. Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face and Sea Giraffe 1X radars and a set of passive sensors will also be mounted on the ships.

Saab will also be responsible for the construction of composite superstructures. Applying this solution will reduce the mass of ships and reduce their effective radiolocation surface.

We are proud to develop our long-standing cooperation with Germany and the Bundeswehr. Together with TKMS, we strengthen the German Navy. Our systems will significantly increase its anti-aircraft defense capabilities, the fight against submarines and submarines.

Micael Johansson, President and CEO of Saab

Equipment supplies for TKMS are scheduled for 2029-2032. The agreement also includes an option covering systems for subsequent ships.

Frigates will be built in German shipyards

The main contractor of the program is the German shipbuilding company TKMS. Ships are to be built in shipyards in Germany.

The new frigates will primarily be designed to combat submarines. According to the Federal Ministry of Defence, the project meets the requirements of the German Navy and the commitments made by Berlin towards NATO.

MEKO A-200 DEU instead of frigate type F126

Berlin decided to seek the MEKO project A-200 DEU due to growing F126 problems. The construction of six large frigates, entrusted to the Dutch Damen group, was burdened with considerable delays, increased costs and the risk of further delay.

The analysis of the Defence Ministry indicated that continuing the project after the change of the main contractor could raise its total value to over EUR 18 billion. Resignation F126 However, it left a gap in the plans to develop German naval capabilities. Therefore, a design developed by TKMS was selected, whose construction can be started faster and with less risk.

The current plan provides for the purchase of the first four frigates MEKO A-200 DEU for approximately €6.3 billion. By the end of 2026 Germany can also use the option for the next four ships, valued at approximately €5.3 billion. Deutsche Marine would then receive eight frigates instead of six units F126.