Berlin - (Saba):
German media reported, citing sources, that the completion of six F126-class frigates for the German Navy has been postponed until at least 2030.
The German Navy ordered the first four frigates in 2020, and two more in June 2024, from Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval, for a total value of approximately €9 billion ($10.23 billion). The first ships were scheduled to enter service in 2028.
A report published by a German newspaper indicated that informed sources are currently working on a 2030 start date.
According to the report, the Dutch company is dissatisfied with the terms of the contract, which stipulate that at least 70% of the order must be completed in German shipyards.
However, the report stated that representatives of the German Navy and the shipbuilding company were unwilling to publicly comment on the difficulties that arose or set new precise dates for construction completion.
Damen Naval announced a delay in the delivery of the first ship, and the contracting company is currently working on a revised and reliable comprehensive project plan with its subcontractors, according to the German Arms, Information Technology and Applications Authority of the German Army, according to the report.
According to data published on the German Army website, the German Navy currently has 11 frigates, four of which belong to the F123 class and were launched between 1994 and 1996. They were supposed to be replaced by the new F126 class frigates after 2028, according to the German newspaper.