Australia Turns to Saab and TKMS to Equip MEKO A200 Frigates with AusCMS for Maritime Defense.

According to an official press release issued by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on May 26, 2025, the German company has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Saab Australia to strengthen their strategic cooperation in the naval defense sector. The agreement, signed at the Consulate General of the Federal Republic of Germany in Sydney in the presence of Vice Admiral Carsten Stawitzki, Director-General for Armaments at the German Federal Ministry of Defense, aims to explore joint opportunities related to the MEKO A-200 frigate. The partnership builds on an established working relationship between the two companies and seeks to implement integrated, sovereign naval solutions using proven technologies from both parties.
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Through this collaboration, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Saab aim to offer a MEKO A-200 frigate tailored to Australia’s specific requirements, while promoting local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. (Picture source: Thyssenkrupp)

The MEKO A-200 frigate, developed by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, is a 121-meter-long multi-mission combat vessel with a displacement of approximately 3,700 tons. It can reach a top speed of 28 knots and has an operational range of 7,200 nautical miles at 16 knots. Designed for both coastal and blue-water operations, it features a modular architecture that enables the integration of various weapon systems and sensors depending on operational requirements. Standard armament includes a 127 mm main gun, anti-ship missiles, medium-range air defense systems, and lightweight torpedoes. The frigate is also equipped with a helicopter deck and hangar, capable of supporting a naval NH90 aircraft.

A key component of the partnership involves the integration of the Australian Combat Management System (AusCMS), developed by Saab Australia. Already deployed on several Royal Australian Navy vessels, AusCMS enables full interoperability across naval platforms while supporting operational readiness, training, and logistical sustainment. Through this collaboration, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Saab aim to offer a MEKO A-200 frigate tailored to Australia’s specific requirements, while promoting local manufacturing and maintenance capabilities. The agreement is closely aligned with the SEA 3000 program, which aims to provide the Royal Australian Navy with a new class of general-purpose frigates to replace the aging ANZAC-class.

For Australia, the partnership holds significant strategic value. By selecting a solution that is tested, adaptable, and capable of being produced domestically, Canberra is enhancing both its short-term operational capacity and its long-term industrial and technological sovereignty. Working with experienced partners such as thyssenkrupp Marine Systems and Saab also enables efficient implementation while contributing to the local economy through job creation and the development of domestic shipbuilding skills.

The Australian-configured MEKO A-200 frigate will play a central role in the country’s naval defense strategy. It is expected to contribute significantly to the protection of critical maritime routes, particularly in Australia’s northern approaches and key regional trade corridors. This modernization effort takes place in a broader geopolitical context characterized by growing Chinese maritime ambitions in the South China Sea, increased regional submarine capabilities, and rising military activity across the Indo-Pacific. In response to these challenges, Australia is seeking to enhance its maritime deterrence and maintain a credible presence in contested areas. The MEKO A-200, integrated with a localized combat system, is positioned as a central asset in achieving these strategic objectives.