Rheinmetall wins contract to modernize German Navy's F123 frigate

Published Jul 30, 07:11 AM UTC

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.