Germany to acquire new radars for Sachsen-class air defense frigates.

Germany, through its defense procurement agency (the BAAINBw), is seeking to replace its current SMART-L radars aboard the Sachsen-class (F124) air-defense frigates. This information has been given through a request for information (RFI) on January 28.

F 219 FGS Sachsen  (Picture source : Seaforces)

As stated in the German RFI, the aim is to replace the Dutch-built radars currently aboard the frigates with more modern ones that will have a broadened scope of engagement and a capability to defend against ballistic missiles (air defense).

BAAINBw expects the construction, delivery and shipboard installation of 3 long range radars and IFF (Identification Friend or Foe) systems. The new systems are to be fielded between 2020 and 2026, according to the RFI. In addition to the establishment of a test and training facility at the German Navy’s Engineering School in Parow, Germany.

With this new capability, Sachsen frigates (the Sachsen, the Hamburg and the Hessen) will be able to detect all missiles aimed at the NATO region and report the threat back to the NATO missile defense system headquarters (in Ramstein, Germany). Those HQ will then decide which vessel has to destroy such missiles.