The German Brandenburg-class frigates (F123) are to continue their anti-submarine warfare duties even after their upcoming modernization. According to a preliminary announcement for a €25 million proposal, which will be discussed this week by the Bundestag’s Defense Committee, the proposal concerns an amendment to a contract within the F123 Mid Life Update (MLU) project. Specifically, it will involve commissioning services to restore the anti-submarine warfare capabilities of the F123 class frigates.
By Lars Hoffman / hartpunkt
According to well-informed sources, the modernization program will include the installation of towed sonar systems from a Canadian subsidiary of the Israeli defense company Elbit. Reportedly, space constraints influenced the choice of technology. This apparently ruled out a sonar from the German company Atlas Elektronik. Elbit’s subsidiary, GeoSpectrum Technologies (GTI), reported several years ago on successful tests of its TRAPS (Towed Reelable Active Passive Sonar) system. This system is said to be light and compact enough for installation on the Type 123 frigates.
In 2021, the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) commissioned the Swedish defense company Saab to modernize the F123 class of frigates. As was stated at the time, the contract initially included the delivery and integration of the 9LV command and weapon control system, the Sea Giraffe 4A and Sea Giraffe 1X radars, the Ceros 200 fire control system, and other third-party systems, including IFF capability.
As hartpunkt has learned from well-informed sources, the final design freeze for the modernization of the frigates was only achieved at the end of last year, meaning that the main work can only now begin, with delivery apparently scheduled for 2029. Observers assume that, in addition to the towed sonar, further components for electronic warfare will be supplied by Elbit.
Reportedly, numerous sensors and effectors selected for the F123 could also be used on the future F128 frigates (MEKO A-200). This apparently includes the 9LV command and control system, even though the CMS 330 from Lockheed Martin Canada is being introduced as a new standard command and control system into the Navy. The reason for this measure could be that the delivery of the first F128s by the end of 2029 is likely to be a top priority. TKMS had apparently already submitted a MEKO-200 design with the 9LV for the Australian SEA-3000 procurement program. Observers suspect that the F128 could also be based on this. Since the CMS 330 is not currently implemented on any ship in the German Navy, its installation in the F128 would likely be considered too risky due to time constraints. However, it is conceivable that the 9LV could be replaced by the CMS 330 at a later date.
Should the four F123 frigates be refitted as planned and four F128 be delivered, the German Navy would then potentially have eight essentially identically equipped frigates. This would significantly simplify logistics and training. In addition, there would be six F126 frigates and eight F127 air defense frigates. Even if not all of these ships will be in service with the Germany Navy simultaneously, this would present the challenge of recruiting and training the necessary personnel.
It also remains to be seen whether such an ambitious frigate program can actually be implemented financially. For example, figures of up to six billion euros were circulating weeks ago, representing the potential cost of each F127 frigate. Whether this is accurate is another question. However, a price of this magnitude would likely be politically difficult to justify.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
