Overview
- The Bundestag’s budget negotiators from the Union and SPD backed a €7.1 billion commitment authorization labeled “Procurement F126 – Alternative Platform.”
- The six-ship F126 effort has faced schedule setbacks and a cost increase to about €9.8 billion.
- Rheinmetall’s September 2025 acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen raised concerns in the ministry that a contract takeover could lead to further price hikes.
- The ministry has an alternative from TKMS for six Meko 200 frigates at roughly €1 billion per ship, with the first delivery in 2029 and additional vessels every nine months.
- Switching providers would write off an estimated €1.8 billion already invested in F126, leaving the final decision to upcoming negotiations.