Rheinmetall wins contract to modernize German frigate Bayern through 2029
Rheinmetall secured a mid-three-digit million euro contract to modernize the German Navy's F123 frigate FGS Bayern (F217), extending its service life to at least 2035. The work, at Rheinmetall's Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven, includes replacing the combat management system, upgrading radar, propulsion, and anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The frigate, commissioned in 1996, will undergo overhaul through 2029, with major components already being removed.
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Rheinmetall wins contract to modernise German Navy’s FGS Bayern
Rheinmetall has been awarded a mid-three-digit million euro contract to modernise the German Navy frigate FGS Bayern, the third Type 123 Brandenburg-class vessel. Work will begin after Q2 2026 at the Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven and continue through 2029. The service life extension program aims to keep the frigate operational until at least 2035. Upgrades include replacing the Combat Management System, overhauling engineering components, upgrading radar sensors, improving propulsion and drive systems, and enhancing anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The frigate, commissioned in 1996, is 138.9 meters long, displaces 4,700 tonnes, and carries a crew of 118. Rheinmetall Naval Systems CEO Tim Wagner emphasized the shipyard's experience in frigate modernization and integration of complex maritime systems.
Rheinmetall wins contract to modernise German Navy’s FGS Bayern
Rheinmetall has been awarded a mid-three-digit million euro contract to modernise the German Navy frigate FGS Bayern, the third Type 123 Brandenburg-class vessel. Work will begin after Q2 2026 at the Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven and continue through 2029. The service life extension program aims to keep the frigate, which entered service in 1996, operational until at least 2035. Upgrades include replacing the Combat Management System, overhauling engineering components, upgrading the radar sensor suite, updating propulsion and drive systems, and improving anti-submarine warfare capabilities. The project underscores Rheinmetall's role in long-term naval lifecycle support. The frigate is currently undergoing initial component removal at the shipyard.
Rheinmetall wins contract to modernise German Navy’s FGS Bayern
Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract to modernise the FGS Bayern, the third ship in the German Navy’s Type 123 Brandenburg-class frigate fleet. The modernization work is scheduled to commence following the second quarter of 2026. The contract underscores ongoing efforts to upgrade Germany's naval capabilities, with Rheinmetall serving as the prime contractor for the frigate's overhaul. The FGS Bayern is a key asset in the German Navy's surface fleet, and this modernization aims to extend its operational life and enhance its combat systems. The announcement was made by Naval Technology, a defense industry publication.
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Rheinmetall awarded contract to modernize German frigate Bayern in Wilhelmshaven
Rheinmetall has received a contract to modernize the German Navy frigate 'Bayern', a 143-meter F123 type vessel commissioned in 1996. The contract, awarded at the end of the second quarter of 2026, is valued in the mid three-digit million euro range. The work will be carried out at the Neue Jadewerft in Wilhelmshaven, which Rheinmetall acquired from the Lürssen Group's NVL division in spring 2026. The overhaul includes renewal of the command and weapon engagement system and modernization of radar sensor technology. Completion is expected by 2029, with the goal of extending the ship's operational capability until at least 2035. The frigate is currently at the shipyard pier for removal of major components before moving to the dock. This contract follows the recent halt of the F126 project by the Federal Ministry of Defense.
Rheinmetall Secures Contract to Modernize German Navy’s F123 Frigate
Rheinmetall has been awarded a major contract to overhaul the German Navy's F123 class frigate BAYERN (F217), extending its operational service life through at least 2035. The contract, valued in the mid-three-digit million euro range, was awarded at the end of the second quarter of 2026. The modernization will take place at Rheinmetall's Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven until 2029. Key work includes replacing the Combat Management System (CMS), overhauling shipboard engineering systems, modernizing the radar sensor suite, overhauling propulsion and drive systems, and upgrading anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The frigate, which entered service in 1996, is currently berthed at the shipyard where major components are being removed before it enters dry dock. Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall's Naval Systems division, emphasized the shipyard's experience in naval vessel modernization and integration of complex maritime systems.
Rheinmetall Secures Contract to Modernize German Navy’s F123 Frigate
Rheinmetall has been awarded a major contract to overhaul the German Navy's F123 class frigate BAYERN, extending its operational service life through at least 2035. The contract, valued in the mid-three-digit million euro range, was awarded at the end of the second quarter of 2026. The 143-meter-long frigate, which entered service in 1996, will undergo comprehensive modernization at Rheinmetall's Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven until 2029. Key work includes replacement of the Combat Management System (CMS), overhaul of engineering systems, modernization of the radar sensor suite, propulsion and drive system overhaul, and upgrades to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The project aims to ensure operational readiness and adapt the vessel to current operational requirements. Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall's Naval Systems division, emphasized the shipyard's experience in frigate modernization and integration of complex maritime systems. The vessel is currently berthed at Neue Jadewerft, where major components are being removed before transfer to dry dock.
Rheinmetall Secures Contract to Modernize German Navy’s F123 Frigate
Rheinmetall has been awarded a major contract to modernize the German Navy's F123 class frigate BAYERN (F217), extending its operational service life through at least 2035. The contract, valued in the mid-three-digit million euro range, was awarded at the end of the second quarter of 2026. The modernization will take place at Rheinmetall's Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven and is scheduled for completion by 2029. Key upgrades include replacement of the Combat Management System (CMS), overhaul of shipboard engineering systems, modernization of the radar sensor suite, overhaul of propulsion and drive systems, and upgrades to anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities. The frigate, which entered service in 1996, is currently berthed at the shipyard where major components are being removed before transfer to dry dock. Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall's Naval Systems division, emphasized the company's focus on delivering the project on schedule.