MEKO A-200 DEU-class frigate
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| Class overview | |
|---|---|
| Name | MEKO A-200 DEU |
| Builders | TKMS |
| Operators |  German Navy (planned) |
| Cost | |
| In service | Planned for 2029[2] |
| Planned | 4 (as of March 2026)[1] |
| General characteristics | |
| Type | Frigate |
| Displacement | 3,950 tonnes[1] |
| Length | 121 m (397 ft 0 in)[1] |
| Beam | 16.4 m (53 ft 10 in)[1] |
| Draft | 4.4 m (14 ft 5 in)[1] |
| Propulsion | CODAG-WARP[1] |
| Speed | ≤ 29 kn (54 km/h; 33 mph)[1] |
| Complement | 125 (core crew) + 49 additional personnel[1] |
| Sensors & processing systems |
|
| Electronic warfare & decoys |
|
| Armament | |
| Aircraft carried |
|
| Aviation facilities | Aircraft hangar with 1 NH90 or 2 lighter helicopters, and UAVs[6] (note: the hangar can be shared with 2 TEU-sized mission modules)[6][7] |
| Notes | Stealth hull shape (X-shape) with a reduced infrared signature[1] |
The MEKO A-200 DEU class, also known as the F128, is a frigate based on the MEKO 200, and it is intended as a gap filler until the arrival of the Niedersachsen-class frigate (F126) in service, as this ship's production is being delayed.[8]
Background
The Niedersachsen-class frigate (F126 / MKS180) is designed as a successor to the Brandenburg-class frigate (F123), and is intended to be used as a multi-role frigate with a focus on the anti-submarine warfare mission. In June 2020, the BAAINBw signed a contract with Damen for the design and the construction of four F126 ships.[9] The contract was later extended to six ships, and with an entry in service in 2028.[10]
As of early 2026, the problems of software compatibility between Damen (the designer and general contractor) and the shipyards (Blohm + Voss in Hamburg, and Peene-shipyard in Wolgast) delayed the project with a lack of visibility for solutions.[10]
Development
The German government and the German parliament prepared an interim solution that came into fruition in February 2026, when the BAAINBw signed a preliminary agreement with TKMS for the preparation of the development of the project. In February 2026, the objective is to deliver the first frigate in 2029. As part of the agreement, there is a budget of €50 million that cover initial procurement and work on the project, but no production contract was signed.[2]
In March 2026, the Budget Committee of the Bundestag approved a budget increased to €240 million for the acquisition of four MEKO A-200 DEU.[1]