The United States has granted export authorization for the weapon and sensor suite for Germany’s future F-127 air-defense vessels.

The package includes 8 AEGIS-based Integrated Combat Systems (ICS) MK 6 MOD X for installation on as many hulls. Accompanying them are 8 sets of AN/SPY-6(V)1 S-band Active Electronically Scanned Array radars and AN/SPQ-9B rotating-head search radars. The AN/SPQ-9B is an X-band radar that uses two planar antennas mounted back-to-back in a rotating housing (the same configuration as the British SAMPSON radar on the Type 45 destroyers). It is particularly optimized for automatic detection of low-altitude and surface threats.

Also included are 8 sets of Cooperative Engagement Capability (CEC) systems to enable track sharing between ships for improved coordination and cooperative engagements.

The package further comprises 8 sets of MK 41 Baseline VIII Vertical Launch System (VLS) modules. Unfortunately, the published authorization does not specify the exact number of MK 41 modules, though it will be substantial. For the F-127 programme, planners have considered a minimum of 64 cells per ship, with reports by late 2025 indicating this could rise to 96 cells. In the latter case, that would mean 12 MK 41 modules per ship.

Additional items include:

- 8 sets of GPS-based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) Service systems

- 9 command-and-control processors

- 10 Multifunctional Information Distribution System (MIDS) on Ship Modernization data-link kits

- 8 sets of AN/WSN-12 inertial navigation systems

Interestingly, only 3 AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare systems are included, and in the older (V)6 version rather than the latest (V)7, which adds the Block 3 EA electronic attack capability. The Surface Electronic Warfare Improvement Program (SEWIP) AN/SLQ-32(V)7 is the most physically prominent variant (as seen on U.S. DDG-51 destroyers), distinguished by the large “cheeks” added onto the superstructure of the destroyers.

Germany has also requested 9 MK 45 127 mm guns with the associated MK 34 Gun Weapon System (GWS) fire-control suite (including the MK 160 computer and MK 20 electro-optical systems). For close-in defense, an unspecified number of MK 38 Mod 4 30 mm remote weapon systems are included. These turrets are based on the British MSI-Defence SEAHAWK DS30M A2 mount, configured with dual ammunition feed for the 30×173 mm cannon and without a local control console. The U.S. designation is GWS88 Mod 4, which also includes a coaxial 12.7 mm machine gun. Together with the MK 48 MOD 2 electro-optical sight system (EOSS) and the MK 134 MOD 0 remote control console, they form the complete MK 38 Mod 4 system.

Further included are:

- Integrated Combat System computer program hardware

- Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Mod 5/S systems and the associated AN/SPQ-15 converter/receiver

- KIV-78 cryptographic systems with AN/PYQ-10 keying equipment

- Gigabit Ethernet Data Multiplex System infrastructure

- Navigation aids including AN/WSN-9 digital hybrid speed logs and Moriah wind sensors

- With all associated support, the total value of the package could reach $11.9 billion.

The F-127 frigates, whose design will be an evolution of TKMS’s MEKO A-400 AMD proposal, will be built by a consortium of TKMS and NVL (now controlled by Rheinmetall). The order could be finalized as early as summer 2026, with the first ship expected around 2034.

The programme has grown rapidly in ambition. It was originally planned for 5 ships. The MEKO A-400 AMD design presented at the end of 2024 was already a large vessel: over 10,000 tons, 160 m long, 21 m beam, and 5.5 m draft, but with “only” 64 VLS cells in two 32-cell silos. If the increase to 96 cells is confirmed, a significant growth in ship size should be expected. Local defense will also include 2 × 21-cell RAM launchers and possibly a pair of laser weapons.

The original A-400 AMD design featured 2 Rheinmetall MLG 27 gun turrets, which could now be replaced by the MK 38 Mod 4 systems if those are ordered.

The ship has a double hangar for NH-90 helicopters and a core crew of 150 with accommodation for an additional 70 personnel.

In November 2025, Germany had already secured U.S. approval for missiles for use on the new ships: up to 173 SM-6 Block I and 577 SM-2 Block IIIC missiles, for a maximum estimated value of $3.5 billion.

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