Euronaval 2024 – tkMS presents the Meko A-400 AMD
Following the green light obtained in September for the establishment of a joint-venture between tkMS and NVL group to design and build together the new platform for the German Navy’s F127 programme, Thyssen Krupp marine systems (TKMS) exhibited the model of the MEKO A-400 AMD anti-air warfare (AAW) frigate at Euronaval 2024
The F127-class aims to replace the three current F124 AAW frigates, designated the Sachsen-class by the mid-2030s, with five units providing sea-based capability for defence against ballistic and hypersonic missiles in the lower interception layer and a precision long-range strike capability against hardened land targets.
According to the Bundeswehr 19th armament report published last July and including for the first time the F127 programme references, the project is in the so-called analysis phase, part 2. According to that document, the proposal is currently being drawn up by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information, Technology and In-service Support (BAAINBw), and a selection decision by the Inspector General is scheduled for early 2025. According to a tkMS and NVL press statement, the German Navy wants the first ship to be ready for deployment in 2034.
An AEGIS command and weapon controller system integration study has been carried out with US partners for the latter platform integration, the same document highlights. A strategic decision was made in June 2023 to base the F 127 combat system on the proven US AEGIS Combat System in conjunction with an ‘underneath’ command and weapon controller system. The latter is aimed at integrating available and certified systems from F126 and modernized F123 programmes in a mature ship design, allowing the project to be implemented with a lower risk and in a timely and requirement-compliant manner.
Various studies are ongoing with MTG Marinetechnik GmbH for the latter project implementation, including life cycle cost analysis, system architecture, requirements and system modelling, shock vulnerability modelling, and a market survey of available and suitable national ship designs.
The MEKO A-400 AMD design
The German shipbuilder offers a platform with a displacement of around 10,000 tonnes, a length and beam of respectively 160 and 21 metres and a draft of 5.5 metres. No details were provided on the propulsion system, but EDR On-Line understood it could be based on two diesel engines and two gas turbines providing a maximum speed of 32 knots and an endurance of more than 30 days and up to 4,000 nautical miles. The crew consists of 150 men and women, and a further 70 accommodations are available for additional personnel and force protection elements. The overall design can however further evolve and present differences based on the latest German Navy requirements.
The model displayed at Euronaval, which does not differ from the computer renderings shown last July, presents a hull with an inverted bow and two shaft lines while the superstructures feature two main blocks, accommodating respectively the forward and rear propulsion compartments funnels and main radars arrays in addition to other sensors, systems, and communications antennas. The forward block also hosts the bridge and the main integrated mast.
No information has been provided by tkMS on the combat system but based on the model and graphics shown, the A-400 AMD platform is expected to be equipped with an AEGIS/SPY radar combination. The model presents radar antennas in an arrangement with two lateral antennas on the forward and other two on the rear superstructure blocks providing a 360° coverage. The radar antennas geometry resembles those of the Raytheon SPY-6, but no information has been provided on the selected systems, being the Lockheed Martin SPY-7 or Raytheon SPY-6.
No details were disclosed also for the command and weapon controller system siding the AEGIS. On its latest ships and on platforms being upgraded the German Navy is respectively adopting the Thales TACTICOS and the Saab 9VL command management systems (CMS) but more recently rumours also indicate the potential selection of the Lockheed Martin Canada CMS 330 as an ITAR-free system also compatible with the AEGIS suite.
In addition to the US SPY radar, the model shows over the SPY ones rectangular antennas of an undisclosed radar, which EDR On-Line understood being a national design to deal with the weapon systems supplied by national and international industry. In addition to this second main radar, the sensors suite visible on the model also includes electro-optical surveillance, tracking and weapons controllers identified as Thales products and an integrated electronic warfare suite. The German Navy has selected the latest Rhode and Schwarz KORA 40 RESM/CESM integrated solution for the upgrading of the in-service F124 frigates in addition to an undisclosed RECM capability. The model features EW antennas on the main integrated mast which resembles the R&S KORA suite and RECM antennas on the ship replenishment arc structure which EDR On-Line identified as part of the ELT Group (Elettronica) Virgilius suite. This alongside a Rheinmentall MASS suite including six decoy launchers in bow, amidship and rear positions to provide a 360° coverage.
The weapon package includes two clusters of vertical launching systems (VLSs) which EDR On-Line understood being Lockheed Martin Mk 41 in the strike configuration, capable to accommodate surface-to-air and surface-to-surface longer and shorter-range missiles. The two Mk 41 VLS clusters including 32 cells each (for a total of 64 cells) are respectively positioned on the bow forecastle and amidships. Based on German Navy present and indicated potential future missile inventory, EDR On-Line understood the F127 could be armed with Raytheon Standard Missiles models including SM-2, SM-6 and potentially SM-3, in addition to ESSMs. The model also shows in the amidship area two 4-cell launchers for Kongsberg NSM anti-ship missiles, which in the future are expected to be replaced by the joint Norwegian-German Tyrfing missiles, to be launched by VLS. There are plans to procure the Tomahawk cruise missile, but no official statement has been released. In addition to ESSM missiles being launched by Mk 41 VLSs, the shorter-range air defence is ensured by two RAM 21-cell launchers and two directed-energy laser weapon (DELW) mountings.
The latter resembles the joint Rheinmetall-MBDA weapon system, for which the two companies have recently signed a cooperation agreement to continue its development, initially aimed at ship-based drone defence. The F127 model also features two Rheinmetall MLG 27 and at four 12.7 mm remotely controlled weapon systems, but EDR On-Line understood the systems could be different. The A-400 AMD frigate design also presents a stern flight deck with a twin hangar for 11-tonnes NH90 ASuW/ASW helicopters. The amidship area also shows accommodations for two 20-foot containers allowing the ship design to deploy additional mission systems.
Images and photos tkMS and L. Peruzzi
