Berlin Approves Four Additional MEKO A-200 DEU Warships — The German government has authorized four more MEKO A-200 DEU frigates from Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, increasing its planned fleet to eight ships after scrapping the F126 program with Damen of the Netherlands. The frigates will primarily support anti-submarine missions for NATO across the Baltic and North seas, the Atlantic, and the High North. Germany expects to receive the first vessel in 2029, followed by the remaining ships consecutively. TKMS says the program represents its largest surface-vessel contract to date, while standardizing the fleet is expected to reduce complexity in training, sustainment, and logistics. Each A-200 DEU will be 121 meters long and 16 meters wide, with accommodation for up to 125 crew members and over 40 additional personnel for specialized duties. A hangar will support up to two light helicopters and unmanned aerial systems, while planned weapons and systems include lightweight torpedoes, electronic countermeasures, missiles, and naval guns. Propulsion will come from a 27,000-horsepower gas turbine and two diesel engines with a combined output of 8,000 horsepower, delivering speeds exceeding 29 knots and a stated range of 6,500 nautical miles.
