Frig's building in Wolgast: cost explosion and massive delays!

Frig's building in Wolgast: cost explosion and massive delays!

The Situation in the construction of the new frigates for the German Navy is becoming increasingly complex due to growing challenges. As the Ostsee-Zeitung be expected. The "Lower Saxony" frigate is at the center of the problem.

delays in the construction of the F126 frigate in Wolgast result in financial consequences that could endanger the entire project. The original takeover of the "Lower Saxony" by the Navy was planned for 2028, but now the deliveries due to technical problems with IT and the transfer of the construction plans are late. A spokesman for the procurement office has already confirmed these developments.

Situation of the frigates F126

The F126 frigates are four ships, all of which are to be stationed in Wilhelmshaven. The first frigate took place in June 2024, but there are difficulties in implementing new IT tools and the transfer of plans by the general contractor Schelde Naval Shipbuilding B.V. Advances to German shipyards, such as the NWZ Online listed.

Overall, those responsible must prepare for an expected additional effort of around 323 million euros. This means that the costs for the first four frigates increase to 6.72 billion euros instead of the originally estimated 5.5 billion euros. For the Navy, it will therefore be crucial how the financing will look over the defense budget from 2028.

comprehensive challenges and international collaborations

The problems with the F126 frigates are not only technical, but also strategic in nature. Effective cooperation between industry, the Bundeswehr and politics is becoming more and more necessary to find solutions. Especially the award policy, which includes several shipyards, has proven to be problematic because it brings communication difficulties and delays.

A look into the future shows that the new generation of frigates, the F127, also focuses on. These are supposed to replace the old Saxony class in the 1930s and are equipped with progressive technology. The Esut is that up to six new units are planned for air defense and Ballistic rocket defense are specialized. This shows the potential for international cooperation, including with Norway and Denmark.