Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) handed over the frigate ‘RHEINLAND-PFALZ’ to the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology, and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Hamburg. With that, all four ships of the F125 class, which Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems built together with the NVL Group in the ARGE F125 consortium, have been successfully delivered. The first ship of the F125 class is scheduled to enter service in mid-2023. In order to create the necessary conditions for this phase, a comprehensive support contract regarding the technical logistic support (TLS) for the F125 frigates was concluded between ARGE F125 and the BAAINBw at the end of last year. The contract for the construction of the four frigates became effective in June 2007. The concept, design, and detailed design phases followed. Around 90 percent of the highly complex systems onboard the F125 were developed specifically for this new type of ship

The ship was handed over to the BAAINBw, represented by the Head of the Acceptance Commission, Matthias Rohde, and the responsible project manager at the BAAINBw, Marc Steffens, during a ceremony in Hamburg, which was kept low-profile due to the pandemic. On behalf of Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, Program Manager Patrick Buggeenthin signed the handover papers. Representing ARGE, Chief Executive Officer Dr. Rolf Wirtz said, “We have now delivered all of the four F125 ships. The other three vessels are already in the in-service phase and have been operating successfully since their technical capabilities and reliability. We are convinced that the fourth vessel, the ‘RHEINLAND-PFALZ,’ will also be successful. We wish the ship and crew ‘fair winds and following seas.’ Full operational readiness of all ships for the German Navy remains our most important goal. On behalf of all employees, I would like to express my gratitude for their trust placed in us. At the same time, I would like to thank all our industry partners for their support and what has been achieved. In our view, the innovative and highly complex systems of this class make an important contribution to a navy equipped for the future. We look forward to continuing the good cooperation with the German Navy.

TKMS handed over the Baden-Württemberg-class frigate Rheinland-Pfalz to Bundeswehr. The completely redesigned vessels of the F125 class have highly complex systems and around 28,000 sensors that enable a very high degree of automation, making it possible to reduce the required number of crew members by about half compared to previous classes. Moreover, the ships can remain in their theater of operations for up to two years. Besides the traditional tasks of national and alliance defense, they are designed for conflict prevention and crisis management as well as intervention and stabilization operations in an international context. In addition to the ability to engage targets both on land and on water, they are equipped with airborne and underwater systems and helicopters. ARGE F125 comprises the lead company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and the Bremen-based NVL Group (formerly Lürssen Defence). The pre-fitted bow sections were produced at the shipyards of the NVL Group in Bremen and in Wolgast at the Baltic Sea. Construction of the stern sections, the joining of the two vessel halves, final fitting-out, commissioning, and trials all took place at the NVL shipyard Blohm+Voss in Hamburg.

NVL Group is a privately owned group of four renowned German shipyards and related companies, with additional shipyards in Australia, Bulgaria, and Romania. Customers can rely on us to consistently provide tailored, smart, and cost-effective naval solutions that keep the German Navy and navies around the world mission-ready. With deep roots in shipbuilding, we listen to our customers’ needs, understand their requirements, and deliver high-quality naval and coast guard vessels as well as comprehensive services throughout the entire life cycle. With around 6,500 employees, the NVL Group is one of the world’s leading maritime companies and a systems provider in submarine and surface shipbuilding as well as maritime electronics and security technology. Over 180 years of history and the constant pursuit of improvements are the basis for the company’s success in constantly setting new standards. The comprehensive offering of the NVL Group encompasses customized solutions for highly complex challenges in a changing world. The driving forces behind this are the employees of the company, who shape the future of NVL with passion and commitment every day.