Swedish company Saab has signed a contract with German firm TKMS to supply equipment for four new ships being ordered for the German Navy.
The MEKO A-200 DEU-class frigates will be equipped with combat system and sensor gear, along with composite structures, Saab announced in a 16 July statement. TKMS is the main contractor for the German-built ships, and Saab’s deliveries are scheduled between 2029 and 2032.
According to reports, the first ship is scheduled for delivery by the end of 2029.
The equipment fit includes: the 9LV combat system with its fire control and combat management system (CMS) capabilities; the Sea Giraffe 4A fixed-face long-range surveillance radar, the Sea Giraffe 1X lightweight multi-mission surveillance radar, and other sensors including passive systems. Both Sea Giraffe radar systems operate in the E/F band.
Saab stated that the contract’s order value is approximately EUR790 million (SEK8.74 billion).
The company stated that the contract includes an option to add and equip more frigates. Germany is considering purchasing a further batch of four frigates for the navy.
Regarding this initial batch and Saab’s equipment installation, Micael Johansson, the company’s CEO and President, stated: “These deliveries will significantly enhance the [German] Navy’s anti-air-, anti-submarine-, and anti-surface warfare capabilities.”
The German Navy is buying the four frigates instead of proceeding with the procurement of the F-126 Niedersachsen-class frigates. The German Ministry of Defence cancelled that order in June 2026.
The MEKO A-200 is a proven design already in service with several other navies. Therefore, the delivery schedule for the new equipment and ships highlights the navy’s urgency to introduce the new platforms as soon as possible.
Equipped with hull-mounted and towed-array sonars, both supplied by Atlas Elektronik, and carrying an NH90 Sea Tiger as the organic aviation platform, the 4,000-tonne, 121-metre new frigates will be optimised for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) – a key requirement for the German Navy in Baltic and North Atlantic waters.
by Dr. Lee Willett
