The German Ministry of Defense has officially canceled the F126 frigate program for the German Navy, which was projected to exceed 18 billion euros in costs. The decision was made due to long delays in the project, rising costs, and high technical risks.

The F126 program was seen as the largest naval vessel project undertaken by the German Navy since World War II. The program aimed to construct six new-generation multi-purpose frigates. The project was initially launched in 2020 under the leadership of the Dutch shipbuilding company Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS).

The ships were intended to serve in anti-submarine warfare, air defense, maritime security, and long-duration open-sea operations.

Why Was It Canceled?

According to the German Ministry of Defense, the project:

- Continually fell behind schedule,
- Costs rose rapidly,
- Technical and contractual risks increased,
- Progress was hindered due to coordination issues with the main contractor.

The total cost, initially estimated at around 10 billion euros, was calculated to exceed 18 billion euros over time. This situation was decisive in the Berlin administration's decision to terminate the project.

Was the Money Spent in Vain?

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced that approximately 2.3 billion euros had been spent on the project so far. Authorities are continuing to assess potential compensation and legal processes related to the contract.

What Will Replace It?

The Berlin administration plans to purchase eight MEKO A-200 DEU class frigates developed by the German defense company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems instead of the F126. The cost of the first four ships is expected to be around 6.3 billion euros, while the optional four ships are estimated to cost approximately 5.3 billion euros. Thus, the total cost will remain around 11.6 billion euros.

It is stated that the new ships will be particularly used in anti-submarine warfare missions prioritized by NATO. The first delivery is aimed for 2029.

Ursula von der Leyen Connection

The roots of the F126 program date back to a period in Germany when defense spending was increased and the modernization of the navy gained momentum. This process is considered a continuation of the modernization policies shaped during the years when Ursula von der Leyen served as Germany's Minister of Defense. However, the cancellation decision was made by the current German government and Defense Minister Boris Pistorius.

The cancellation of the F126 program is viewed as a failure of one of Europe's largest maritime defense projects. Germany is shifting towards the MEKO A-200 frigates, which can be delivered more quickly and at lower costs, by terminating a massive project that had spiraled out of control in terms of costs and had been delayed for years. This decision has also reignited discussions about the need for reform in the German defense procurement system.

Source: SeaNews Türkiye