Germany has scrapped the multi-billion-euro F126 frigate project in favor of a cheaper alternative

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has decided to halt construction of the F126-class frigates, which was considered the largest defense project in the history of the country’s navy. Instead, the government plans to purchase eight MEKO A-200-class anti-submarine warfare ships. 

The decision to cancel the program was driven by significant schedule delays and the threat of a critical increase in financial costs. The initial cost of the six F126 frigates was estimated at approximately 10 billion euros; however, the Dutch prime contractor, Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), failed to meet deadlines and exceeded budget constraints. 

Considering the option of changing contractors could have ballooned the project’s budget to over 18 billion euros and would have forced Berlin to drop its lawsuits against DSNS seeking damages—a move the Ministry of Defense deemed irresponsible.

The new plan calls for the procurement of eight MEKO-class ships from the German company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), at an estimated cost of 11.6 billion euros. This move will allow Germany to fulfill its NATO obligations in the area of maritime anti-submarine defense more quickly, as the MEKO A-200-class frigates are fully capable of carrying out their assigned combat missions. In addition, the transition to a standardized ship class will provide additional logistical advantages in terms of operation, maintenance, and training of naval personnel. Final approval of the procurement now depends on a decision by the Bundestag’s Budget Committee.