German F126 Frigate Program

Thales has been a proud partner of the German Navy for many years and supplies high-tech solutions for many other navies. Through the F126 program, we are supporting the German Navy in the development of a frigate fit for the future, answering the complex requirements for operational scenarios on the high seas. Requirements and fundamentals that will set a high standard for international safety and security.

Frigate class F126 (previously known as MKS180), is designed as a multi-purpose frigate. The six ships will be broadly deployable across scenario’s, from monitoring sea areas, to supporting special forces in crisis regions or sea rescue, through the ability to adapt to a wide variety of missions worldwide.

F126 will be equipped with a state-of-the-art mission system, with various radar and fire control solutions, among which APAR Block 2 and IonShield Fire Control system. Additionally, Thales will provide the integrated communication system, IT Security and system integration. Combat Management System, Tacticos, will bring together the ship’s mission system. 

Setting sail, the frigates will adhere to the highest standards, supported by land based facilities for training and reference, which too will be outfitted with Thales sensors and systems. However, we aim to continuously service our customers. Through logistical support, maintenance, upgrades and updates we keep systems operable and effective throughout their long lifecycle.

The six ships are built in Northern Germany with a variety of local partners. Together we are working on delivering high end frigates for the German Navy, with the majority of project work done locally. As Thales, we are contributing to the projects from our German locations in Kiel and Wilhelmshaven as well as benefitting from the extensive knowledge and experience from other country organizations within the Thales Group, such as the Netherlands and France.

Contributing to next generation fire control solutions, working on resilient software solutions, and adhering to the highest standards. Those some of the day to day challenges for colleagues from our multi-entity F126 organization. They are contributing to a game changer in terms of complex technical efforts, but the project also involves challenging requirements in areas such as cybersecurity, IT-Security and Safety. Are you interested in joining this international and multi-discipline project team? Check out our vacancies!