The German Navy’s F126 frigate programme is set for another upgrade as Hensoldt, in partnership with Thales, ramps up its delivery of TRS-4D naval radars, enhancing the fleet’s surveillance and combat capabilities.
The German Navy’s F126 frigate programme will receive a technological boost. HENSOLDT, a sensor solution provider, has secured an expanded contract from Thales to supply additional TRS-4D naval radars, raising the total order value to more than €200m ($222m). The latest deal adds two more frigates to the initial order, bringing the total number of vessels equipped with these radars to six.
While the initial 2022 contract covered four frigates and a radar segment for a test centre, this new development ensures the TRS-4D radar system will benefit the entire F126 fleet.
The TRS-4D features non-rotating fixed antenna arrays designed to provide 360-degree surveillance coverage. The radar’s ability to detect and track targets, from small drones to missiles, makes it an element in the F126’s defensive and offensive capabilities.
HENSOLDT is bolstering its naval domain contributions through several contracts, including outfitting the UK’s Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s new Fleet Solid Support ships with advanced Quadome Naval 3D Air and Surface Surveillance Radar and Air Traffic Management systems.
Markus Rothmaier, Head of Naval & Ground Radars at HENSOLDT, emphasised the importance of this contract extension. “Our TRS-4D and its high-end components will be deployed on six German Navy ships in the future and offer the customer a high degree of commonality,’ Rothmaier stated. “We are already working on the radars for the four frigates on a daily basis and are delighted that the option for two more has been taken up.”
The F126 programme, launched in 2020, also includes land-based test and training sites, ensuring the crews are well-prepared to operate these systems.
The German Navy’s F126 frigate programme is progressing through several milestones. In December 2023, Damen Shipyards cut steel for the frigates, marking the start of construction. This was followed by the keel-laying ceremony for the lead ship, “Niedersachsen,” in June 2024. As part of the development, Thales unveiled a new testing centre in April 2024 to support system integration.
The programme, initially for four frigates with delivery between 2027 and 2031, has recently been expanded to include two additional ships, with total costs now reaching €3.18bn. The first ship’s delivery is expected in 2027, with the final two frigates scheduled for 2034.
The TRS-4D radar family already serves aboard other German Navy vessels, such as the F125 frigates and K130 corvettes. The system’s deployment in Ukraine as part of the TRML-4D air defence radar has further demonstrated its detection capabilities.
As the German Navy’s F126 frigate programme progresses, multiple industry players contribute to modernising these warships. Thales enhances the frigates with its SurfSAT-L SATCOM system, Leonardo supplies the OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano gun systems, and ENGIE Axima Germany provides HVAC systems, CBRN protection, and refrigeration.
