Decision on German Type 127 frigate expected in early 2025, NVL and tkMS create joint venture

German shipbuilders NVL Group (formerly Lürssen Werft) and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) signed a co-operation agreement and planned a joint venture on 3 September, designed to compete for construction of the German Navy's future Type 127 specialised air-defence frigate.

The Type 127 (referred to by German authorities as the F127), is planned to replace the Germany Navy's three Sachsen-class (Type 124) air-defence frigates, commissioned between 2004 and 2006, which are scheduled for replacement in the 2030s.

Official procurement

A spokesperson for the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) told Janes on 6 September that the tender process is under legal examination.

They added, “The solution proposal F127 (Next Generation Frigate – Air Defence) will be submitted to the chief of defence (CHOD) [by] end of September 2024. The corresponding decision is expected [in] early 2025. Considering this schedule, a contract for the ship-building part (and all the other contracts) are expected to be signed not earlier than August 2026.”

The Bundeswehr's 19th armaments report, published on 24 July 2024, mentioned the ‘Frigate Class 127' programme for the first time, referring to it among a number of “new projects” as being in the analysis phase. The report mentions capabilities to include ballistic and hypersonic missile defence, and long-range precision land attack. Integration of the Aegis combat system is also planned.