Thyssenkrupp, NVL Announce Joint Venture to Develop F127 Air Defense Frigate

German companies thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL) Group revealed plans to establish a joint venture aimed at constructing the MEKO A-400 AMD, a new air defense frigate for the German Navy, designated as the Type F127.

The cooperation agreement was signed by Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and Friedrich Lürssen, shareholder of the NVL Group, on September 3.

The agreement positions thyssenkrupp as the principal shareholder, leading the development and production of the F127 with the MEKO A-400 design. NVL will contribute its manufacturing expertise. The joint venture, based in Hamburg, will focus on the construction of these advanced frigates, expected to start by 2025. The first ship is targeted for deployment by 2034.

Both companies emphasized the strategic importance of the F127 project, citing the aging fleet of F124 ships and the urgent need for modern replacements. The new frigates will enhance Germany's naval capabilities, with improved energy supply, missile systems, and integration with NATO's transatlantic strategy.

Norway plans to replace its "Fridtjof Nansen" class frigates with six new ships, potentially opening up for collaboration on the F127 program. The F127 frigates will reportedly be equipped with the American AEGIS system and designed to protect against a wide range of aerial threats while also having anti-submarine and anti-surface capabilities.

The MEKO A-400 AMD will have a length of 160 m, a width of 21 m, a depth of 5.5 m, and a displacement of 10,000 tons. It would be capable of a maximum speed of about 32 knots and have a range of over 4,000 km.