Military equipment manufacturers - Minister calls for additional frigates as foundation is laid for F126 vessel.
Federal Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) used a hammer to put nails into the keel of the initial combat vessel within the F126-class, named "Niedersachsen." This launching took place in Wolgast on Monday. Joining him were Mecklenburg-Vorpommern's Prime Minister Manuela Schwesig (SPD) and Stephan Weil (SPD), Prime Minister from Lower Saxony.
According to Pistorius, an important milestone has been reached in the journey towards the new frigate class through this keel-laying. He considers the "Niedersachsen" to be symbolic of Germany's dedication to international order and its competitiveness.
These new frigates of the F126-class are expected to be the greatest combat ships in the German Navy, and also the most expensive ship construction project in the history of the Bundeswehr, with an overall cost of more than five billion euros. This cost might increase further. "I insist on having six of these frigates, not just four," Pistorius stated.
Expediting the Bundeswehr's readiness is a crucial tool to address the changing global security climate. "A turning point signifies that we need to invest in the future fleet today, not tomorrow or the day after," he explained. This new frigate 126 serves as a potent symbol and a clear indication. "By constructing six frigates of this sort, we will not only be deployable but also resilient," he added.
A vote in parliament is currently being considered for the ordering of the additional two frigates, with a deadline for completion of contract negotiations at the end of June. "I anticipate that a corresponding resolution will be passed by the end of this month," Pistorius expressed. The process for new contract constellations will follow once this decision is made.
Pistorius estimates the costs for the final two frigates to be around three billion euros. He also emphasized how essential Mecklenburg-Vorpommern is for the shipbuilding project. "Here, we're not just preserving and expanding our key technology shipbuilding in Germany, but also protecting expertise and safeguarding jobs," he asserted.
Prime Minister Schwesig supported Pistorius's proposal to build a fifth and sixth frigate. "This would be a significant gesture for the Navy and for military shipbuilding here and for this specific location." She added that maritime industries and the shipbuilding and coast region are as integral to the country as the Baltic Sea. "This is our industrial heart, full of well-paid jobs and training places, and we must safeguard this competence," she concluded.
Industry representatives are also enthusiastic about the potential production of two more frigates. "We're well-prepared and ready to rapidly increase production," expressed Tim Wagner, the Managing Director of NVL Group.
The F126 frigates are designed to be deployable globally and adapt to a wide variety of naval warfare engagements. "The F126 can target enemy vessels submerged, on the surface, and in the air using the newest weaponry," clarified Pistorius.
Under the guidance of Dutch shipyard Damen Shipyards in Wolgast, Kiel, and Hamburg, the construction of the forthcoming four combat boats will largely occur in Germany. With over 65 subcontractors in Germany, it is expected that these ships will be handed over to the Navy from 2028, by the shipyard.
During the traditional keel-laying ceremony, a commemorative coin and a euro coin were placed under the keel of the "Niedersachsen" ship, as per tradition. This time, a ten-euro coin, with a unique imprint of the ship's godmother named Niedersachsen, was used.
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The Defense industry in Lower Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania is actively involved in the shipbuilding sector, with Stephan Weil and Manuela Schwesig from the SPD lending their support to the project. The Defense Minister, Boris Pistorius, is pushing for six new frigates in the F126-class, instead of the initial four, seeing it as a crucial step for the German Armed Forces' readiness and competitiveness. This shipping project, worth over five billion euros, will be the most expensive undertaking in the Bundeswehr's history, potentially requiring additional funds.
These new frigates, set to be the largest combat ships in the German Navy, will be constructed in Wolgast under the supervision of Dutch shipyard Damen Shipyards. Industry representatives, such as Tim Wagner from NVL Group, are optimistic about the potential production of additional frigates, viewing it as an opportunity to boost production. Prime Minister Schwesig views this project as a significant gesture for the Navy and the shipbuilding industry, contributing to Germany's economic strength and job market.
Pistorius emphasizes that these frigates, equipped with advanced weaponry, are designed to operate globally and adapt to various naval warfare scenarios. The construction of these four combat vessels is expected to create around 65 subcontractors' jobs in Germany, with final delivery to the German Navy anticipated from 2028. During the keel-laying ceremony, a commemorative ten-euro coin with the ship's godmother's name was placed beneath the "Niedersachsen" ship as a tradition.
This defense project signals the commitment of Germany, its political leaders, and the private sector to maintaining a strong military presence and enhancing its international standing. The far-reaching implications of this shipbuilding project extend beyond naval warfare, contributing to Germany's industrial development, job market, and national identity.
