German Navy celebrates keel laying of first F126 frigate with key dignitaries.

According to information published by Damen Naval on June 6, 2024, a milestone was reached in the F126 frigate project for the German Navy as the first keel laying ceremony took place.
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Keel-laying ceremony of the F126 frigate Niedersachsen. (Picture source: Damen Naval)

The event saw the presence of German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius, Minister-President of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Manuela Schwesig, Minister-President of Lower Saxony Stephan Weil, and Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Inspector of the German Navy.

The F126 project represents the largest procurement initiative in the history of the German Navy. The first frigate in this series will be named 'Niedersachsen' and is expected to be delivered by 2028. During the ceremony, the dignitaries participated in a traditional keel laying ritual, hammering nails into a plaque adorned with a commemorative coin, marking the occasion.

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These ships feature the Thales SurfSAT-L satellite communication system, providing secure and high-performance connectivity essential for naval operations. This system supports multiple frequency bands and connects to both military and commercial satellites, ensuring reliable communication even under adverse conditions​​.

Equipped with HENSOLDT’s TRS-4D radar, the F126 frigates can operate effectively in complex maritime environments. This radar system, along with other sensors, enhances situational awareness and operational readiness.

Additionally, the frigates are outfitted with advanced anti-submarine warfare (ASW) mission modules from Atlas Elektronik, allowing them to conduct long-range ASW operations and detect submarine threats. The modular design enables flexible mission-specific configurations​​.