On July 30, the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and Use of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) signed the first contracts for the modernization of the tactical radar and fire control systems of the German Navy's Brandenburg-class frigates (F123) with the Swedish contractor Saab AB. These measures are intended to ensure the ships' operational readiness until 2035.
According to BAAINBw, the contract for the so-called BASIC package includes the replacement of the tactical 3D and 2D search radar systems. According to the procurement office, these will have a unique selling point in the future with an active, non-rotating antenna for querying friend-enemy data (IFF) over long ranges. At the same time, an extensive modification of the command and weapon deployment system (FüWES) is being carried out to integrate the new systems.
Saab puts the contract value at around 464 million euros. According to the Swedish company, deliveries and other services will take place between 2021 and 2030. Saab will commission the German shipyard Abeking & Rasmussen to carry out the shipbuilding work as the main contractor, while the German company ESG will provide logistical support. Specifically, the contract includes the delivery and integration of the Saab 9LV command and weapon deployment system, the Sea Giraffe 4A and Sea Giraffe 1X radars, the Ceros 200 fire control system and other third-party systems, including IFF capability. Saab says it will carry out the work in Germany, Sweden and Australia.
Die Modifizierung des FüWES soll laut BAAINBw die Resilienz gegenüber modernen Cyber-Bedrohungen erheblich stärken und die Grundlage für Modernisierung weiterer Fähigkeiten der Fregatten der Brandenburg-Klasse bilden. Wo immer möglich, werde von Hersteller-unabhängigen und offenen Standards Gebrauch gemacht. Die sukzessive Bereitstellung der modernisierten Fregatten ist demnach für die Jahre 2024 bis 2027 geplant.
A contract was also signed with the company Saab AB for the services of the “Performance Based Logistics” (PBL) complex to ensure readiness for use in the use phase. The provision of spare and replacement parts and application-related parts packages as well as the maintenance of the technical documentation and logistical master data including the predictive maintenance of the systems and facilities are parts of the PBL contract, as the BAAINBw reports.
The next step is a contract expected to be concluded in 2021 regarding the modernization of the sensor package, which will include the replacement of the previously used electronic warfare systems using market-available products including a laser warning system as well as the expansion of capabilities in the area of tactical data links .
Further packages for countermeasures against threats from the air and above and below will follow in the near future. This is intended to ensure the operational availability of all F123-class units at least until the capability transition to the new F126-class frigates with the planned commissioning of the first unit in 2028.
(lh)
Related topics
ESG logistics partner for the modernization of the F123 frigates Mid-life upgrade for the third Gotland-class submarine ESG and Saab seek strategic cooperation on naval projects Bundeswehr commissions Saab with mid-life upgrade for AGDUS Sweden: Another A26 development order for Saab - later delivery Fennek receives Mobile Camouflage System from Saab Barracuda camouflage systems for the French army Successful first shots with new lightweight torpedo More anti-ship missiles for the German Navy