Navy acquires additional two F126-class frigates.

The German Military - Navy acquires additional two F126-class frigates.

The Budget Committee of Germany's parliament has given approval for the acquisition of two additional F126-class frigates for the German Navy. With a price tag of 3 billion euros, this arms project will bring the total number of these combat ships to six. Marine Inspector Jan Christian Kaack expressed his gratitude for the decision: "A strong Navy!" he exclaimed. He added, "These six combat ships will consistently penetrate anti-submarine warfare in the North Atlantic, protect maritime communication routes, and guard critical maritime infrastructure."

The first F126-class frigate's construction commenced in December, and the German military has plans to build ships that are capable of conducting three-dimensional naval warfare globally and comprehensively. Targets underwater, on the surface, and in the air can be engaged with these vessels. Moreover, sea surveillance, the implementation of blockades, the support of special forces, and evacuation operations are cited as the most significant responsibilities. Initially, four frigates were financed, and now an option for two more ships has been activated.

"Today we made the largest procurement decision for 2024," FDP Finance Minister Karsten Klein stated. He continued, "The new ships will secure sea routes throughout the entire Atlantic and other coastal seas in Europe. It's about increasing the quantity of our fleet to meet one of our NATO obligations and strengthen the Bundeswehr as a whole."

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1. The Bundesrat, Germany's upper house of parliament, also expressed support for the budget allocation, with representatives from Hamburg, Lower Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania backing the decision.
2. The German Navy will incorporate these new F126-class frigates into its fleet, bolstering its defense capabilities and enhancing its role in international naval operations.
3. Critics of the acquisition argue that funds could be better spent on addressing domestic issues or contributing to the German defense industry, which faces challenges in the global shipping market.
4. In Berlin, defense industry leaders welcomed the announcement, viewing it as a potential boost to naval technology and combat capabilities, with experts predicting a possible shift in focus towards the development of future battleships for the German Armed Forces.
5. Additionally, the Hamburg-based Senator für Wirtschaft und Innovation, Till Steffen, praised the decision, highlighting the city's strong maritime and naval history and its role as a hub for Germany's shipping and shipbuilding industry.
6. Meanwhile, Defense Minister Christine Lambrecht reiterated her commitment to modernizing the German Navy, emphasizing the importance of maintaining a well-equipped and effective naval force to protect Germany's interests and uphold its international obligations.
7. Some opposition parties have called for a restrictive interpretation of NATO's Article 3, which states that members are obligated to defend each other "against the armed attack on the territory of any of them in Europe or North America," arguing that the acquisition of extra frigates does not necessarily align with this commitment.

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