Germany scraps order for six F126 frigates after delays: defence ministry

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BERLIN: Germany has officially canceled its long-delayed F126 frigate program, opting to procure eight MEKO A-200 warships to modernize its naval fleet.

The decision follows years of spiraling costs and operational friction with the previous contractor, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding. Berlin concluded that continuing the F126 project would exceed €18 billion, a financial burden deemed unsustainable compared to the new procurement path.

By switching to ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), the Defence Ministry aims to secure anti-submarine capabilities critical for meeting NATO obligations. The new deal includes four initial MEKO frigates with an option for four more, totaling approximately €11.6 billion.

This strategic pivot seeks to bypass the ‘contractor chaos’ that stalled the previous effort. With the German Navy’s top brass endorsing the MEKO design as a viable mission-capable replacement, officials are now fast-tracking budget approvals to ensure delivery timelines remain on target.