German parliament green-lights construction of five corvettes

The German parliament on Wednesday decided to approve 11 billion euros for arms procurement which will include the construction of additional five K130 corvettes.

The German Navy is expected to receive the five ships by 2023.

Prior to this decision, German defense minister Ursula von der Leyen’s aim to procure the additional K130 corvettes was faced with hold ups by the parliament’s budget committee over the price of the ships and by the German cartel office regarding the selection of shipbuilders.

Vice Admiral Andreas Krause, Inspector of the Navy, said he was pleased with the decision adding that it would now allow the navy to build the much-needed ships as fast as possible.

The K130 corvettes, also referred to as Braunschweig-class, are being ordered because of the navy’s increased scope and tempo of operations. They will be built by the Lürssen – TKMS shipbuilding duo joined by German Naval Yards.