Germany’s next frigate: to be equipped with Aegis system and AN/SPY-6
– TKMS announces new frigate (MEKO A-400 AMD)
– NAVSEA releases bidding documents to integrate F127 with Aegis system
Summary from GRANDFLEET article.
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems: (TKMS)
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems announced.
MEKO A-400 AMD is likely to be the baseline for F127.
F127, the successor to F124, will be the first ship outside the US Navy to be equipped with Aegis system and AN/SPY-6.
German Ministry of Defense: Planning F127
F124’s successor = F127: compatible with missile defense
In 2018, the German Ministry of Defense planned the F127, which is compatible with missile defense, as the successor to F124.
F127 Joint Development with the Netherlands: Disagreeing Stances
In 2020, Germany signed an MOU with the Netherlands for the joint development of the F127.
However, the two countries have different ideas on the platform and onboard radar.
As a result, the joint development plan for the F127 between the two countries was scrapped.
TKMS Announces New Frigate:
Germany is planning the F127 based on the Arleigh Burke-class Flight III.
In July 2024, TKMS announced a new frigate (MEKO A-400 AMD) for air defense.
New Frigate: (MEKO A-400 AMD)
This platform is thought to be the baseline for the F127.
1. Length 160m, width 21m, displacement 10,000 tons,
2. 127mm gun, Mk.41 VLS x 64 cells,
3. 2 quad launchers for NSN, 2 launchers for RAM,
4. Equipped with storage for 2 helicopters
US Naval Air Systems Command: (NAVSEA)
On July 2, the US Navy NAVSEA released the “bid documents for contractors to integrate the Aegis combat system into the F127”.
MEKO A-400 AMD to be equipped with AESA:
Nnaval News reported on the MEKO A-400 AMD.
It points out that it is equipped with an AESA similar to the AN/SPY-6.
Combination of AN/SPY-6 and Aegis system:
The F127 is a MEKO-based platform.
It is highly likely that it will be combined with the AN/SPY-6 and Aegis system.
1. The F127 is the first to adopt the AN/SPY-6 outside the US Navy.
2. For missile defense, the use of SM-6, SM-3, and GPI is also in the cards.
Mitsubishi Electric: Signs contract with RTX to supply SPY-6(V) components
Mitsubishi Electric’s announcement:
On July 24, it signed a contract with Raytheon of RTX to supply components for the SPY-6(V) ship-mounted radar for the US Navy.
There are currently no plans to adopt the AN/SPY-6 on JMSDF ships.
1. Mitsubishi Electric will join the US Navy equipment supply chain.
2. This time, they will proceed with preparations to manufacture the SPY-6(V) components.
German Navy’s F127:
The German Navy’s F127 is the first to adopt the AN/SPY-6 outside the US Navy.
1. SPY-6(V) is scheduled to be installed on 65 US Navy ships over the next 10 years.
2. Mitsubishi Electric will proceed with preparations for procurement and manufacturing of US Navy equipment.
AN/SPY-7 Adoption Plan:
Next, they will adopt the AN/SPY-7, a derivative of the LRDR developed by Lockheed Martin.
1. Aegis system-equipped ships (2 ships) planned to be built by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force,
2. River-class destroyers (15 ships) that the Canadian Navy has begun procurement of,
3. F110 frigates (5 ships) under construction for the Spanish Navy
Aegis Ashore Plan:
The US Navy will deploy Aegis Ashore in Hawaii.
The decision to adopt AN/SPY-7 has already been made, so there is no need to worry about compatibility or future prospects of the Aegis system.