Damen hires Leonardo to equip German Navy’s F126 frigates with naval defence systems

Defence company Leonardo has been selected by shipbuilding firm Damen to provide its naval defence systems for the German Navy’s F126 frigates.

As disclosed, Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defence systems have been selected for four F126 frigates, with the addition of two optional vessels.

In addition, the contract includes the supply of support for maintenance activities, simulators for crew training and onboard activities for the integration and commissioning of the system.

“Leonardo’s 127/64 LW Vulcano gun can employ equally the standard ammunition 127mm and both variants of the company’s Vulcano 127mm ammunition: Guided Long Range (GLR) and Ballistic Extended Range (BER). The gun extends a naval unit’s defensive capability up to 85 km while maintaining precision accuracy,” the company stated.

Furthermore, the systems offer constant support to operators and the onboard Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning.

Damen Naval is building the four F126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales. The first ship is expected to be delivered to the German Navy in 2028. All building work will be carried out entirely in Germany at shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast.

“The F126 project is going forward with full speed and in trustworthy cooperation with the German authorities… F126 will set new standards regarding modularity and capabilities and Leonardo’s naval defence system is an important contribution,” Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director Damen Naval said.

Leonardo’s naval defence systems already equip German Navy vessels of various, including its Baden-Württemberg-class frigates, which are also equipped with the Vulcano ammunition-firing OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano weapon system.

In January this year, Germany welcomed the final Baden-Württemberg-class or F15 frigates.