The German Navy is in the process of procuring eight F128 anti-submarine frigates in two production batches, replacing the aborted F126-effort. The F128-program intends rapid introduction into the German Navy from 2029, in order to compensate for delays resulting from the cancellation of F126. The equipment-contract for MSI-DS further reflects this urgency, as the MSI Seahawk 30 mm gun system is commercially available for quick integration into F128. Germany previously ordered this design as part of the F123B frigate modernisation.
Information published on a British investment platform reveals that UK-based MSI Defence Systems Ltd has secured a contract worth £ 29.7 million, approximately US$ 40 million in relation to the new German frigate program. MSI-DS will supply twelve DS30M naval gun systems, also termed Seahawk DS by the company, equipping four F128 frigates. The publication does not specify a delivery timeframe, only stating that MSI-DS expects “Delivery of the systems (…) to take place in accordance with the programme schedule over the coming years.”
Follow-up order for more MSI-DS weapon stations likely
The order volume likely relates to the procurement structure of F128 for the German Navy. Germany after parliamentary approval initially ordered four F128-frigates in July. The German parliament in the beginning of October then approved the second batch for another four frigates. Therefore, a follow-up contract for MSI supplying gun systems for the remaining F128 frigates in the near future appears plausible.
The MSI-DS DS30M is a remote controlled weapons mount which can accommodate light autocannons in the 25-40 mm calibre range. Additionally, the design can fit a 7.62 mm machine gun or missile launchers in a co-axial configuration, if so desired. MSI offers three different turret configurations dubbed DS Remote, DS A1 and DS A2, depending on the sensor and fire control-specification. The design most widely adapted by multiple navies is a version using the 30 mm Mk 44 Bushmaster II cannon. The United States since 2022 is acquiring the MSI-design under the designation Mk 38 Mod 4, with several design changes, including accommodation of a co-axial M2 .50 BMG heavy machine gun.
German Navy phasing out older autocannons due to drone threat
The choice of the MSI-design follows a decision by the German Navy in 2024 to purchase the 30 mm gun system for the comprehensive modernisation of the older F123 Brandenburg-class anti-submarine frigates. On F123 the MSI Seahawk will replace the existing Rheinmetall MLG 27 “Marineleichtgeschuetz”. The selection of MSI-DS for F128 further underscores a previously reported emphasis on significant commonality between F123B and the new frigates.
The MLG 27, with a 27 mm gun derived from the Mauser BK27 fitted to a wide range of fighter jets, established itself as the primary light gun system for the German Navy since introduction in the early 2000s. The weapon then replaced various outdated light autocannons onboard both combatants and auxiliaries of the German Navy. However, in the wake of deployments in the Red Sea and with the wider emergence of drone-based airborne and surface threats the German Navy considers the MLG 27 obsolete. Instead, the service seeks a replacement enabling modern ammunition choices such as air burst munitions, and more advanced sensor- and fire control-capabilities.
Rheinmetall will likely consider the selection of the MSI Seahawk a further blow to company-efforts promoting its own solutions replacing the MLG 27, notably the Sea Snake 30 mm gun mount the company previously sold to Brazil and Sweden. Whether the German Navy will further expand the adaption of the MSI Seahawk DS beyond the F123B- and F128 frigate-fleet remains to be seen.
