German Navy's new Augsburg corvette enters final construction stage before deployment in North and Baltic Seas.

As reported by NVL BV & Co. KG on 8 May 2025, the German Navy held a naming ceremony at the Blohm+Voss shipyard in Hamburg for the fourth vessel in the second batch of Braunschweig-class (K130) corvettes, formally naming it Augsburg. Following the christening, the ship will undergo outfitting, system integration, functional testing, and sea trials in Hamburg, with formal commissioning expected in 2026. Its intended operational focus will be maritime surveillance and surface target engagement in littoral zones, particularly the North and Baltic Seas.
Follow Army Recognition on Google News at this link

The Augsburg, pennant number F268, is 89.12 meters long, has a beam of 13.28 meters, and a draft of 3.4 meters, while its full load displacement is approximately 1,840 tonnes. (Picture source: LinkedIn/NVL BV & Co. KG)

The Braunschweig-class corvettes, also known as Korvette 130 or K130, were initiated in response to a 1995 German Navy directive seeking replacements for the Gepard-class fast attack craft, with a design emphasis on surveillance, anti-surface warfare, and extended littoral presence. The project entered a formal definition phase in 1998, leading to the signing of a construction contract with the ARGE K130 consortium in December 2001. This consortium consisted of Blohm+Voss, Lürssen Werft, and Nordseewerke. The class introduced modular hull construction, stealth features, and a modern Combat Direction System based on distributed computing. Despite a series of technical issues during the lead ship’s development, including propulsion gear malfunctions, HVAC problems, and the presence of harmful exhaust materials, the ships entered service from 2008 onward. These initial issues necessitated multiple rounds of redesigns and system corrections but did not ultimately prevent full fleet integration.

The initial contract covered five ships. However, NATO requirements for Germany to maintain four corvettes at high readiness led to a reassessment in 2016, resulting in a second order for five more vessels. The contract, awarded in 2017 with a budget of approximately €2 billion, was given to a consortium of NVL (formerly Lürssen), thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and German Naval Yards Kiel. Delays affected the program timeline due to legal objections, technical integration problems, and an investigation into sabotage following the discovery of metal shavings in the propulsion system of Emden. Despite these challenges, construction has proceeded. All Batch II vessels are expected to be delivered by 2027. German Navy strategic planning now anticipates a fleet of six to nine K130 corvettes, with readiness managed under a rotational three-unit model.

The Braunschweig-class includes five operational vessels from Batch I, Braunschweig (F260), Magdeburg (F261), Erfurt (F262), Oldenburg (F263), and Ludwigshafen am Rhein (F264), all assigned to the 1st Corvette Squadron in Warnemünde. Batch II comprises Köln (F265), Emden (F266), Karlsruhe (F267), Augsburg (F268), and Lübeck (F269). Köln is currently undergoing sea trials; Emden and Karlsruhe are in outfitting stages. Augsburg was laid down on 13 July 2021 and christened on 8 May 2025. Lübeck is scheduled for christening in 2026. Production of forward and aft sections occurs in Bremen, Kiel, and Wolgast, while Blohm+Voss handles assembly, outfitting, and trials in Hamburg. This distributed construction model enables overlapping production and testing cycles.

The name Augsburg has been carried by previous German Navy ships, including a 1910 light cruiser and two post-war frigates, with the most recent, the F213, decommissioned in 2019. (Picture source: German Navy)

The name Augsburg has been carried by previous German Navy ships, including a light cruiser from 1910, a Type 120 frigate, and a Bremen-class frigate (F213) decommissioned in 2019. The current corvette reestablishes this naval tradition. The city of Augsburg maintains formal sponsorship of the vessel and has formed a support group to enhance community engagement. During the keel-laying ceremony in Wolgast, representatives presented two commemorative medals symbolizing the city's heritage, one depicting Emperor Augustus and another celebrating the 150th anniversary of Rudolf Diesel. The Augsburg will complete integration and acceptance procedures in Hamburg before joining active service. Its deployment will focus on coastal patrols, reconnaissance, and naval strike operations aligned with NATO objectives.

The Augsburg, pennant number F268, is 89.12 meters long, has a beam of 13.28 meters, and a draft of 3.4 meters. Its full load displacement is approximately 1,840 tonnes. Propulsion is provided by two MTU 20V 1163 TB93 diesel engines delivering 14.8 megawatts (approximately 19,800 horsepower), coupled with a common gearbox and two controllable-pitch propellers. The corvette can exceed speeds of 26 knots and has an operational range of 4,000 nautical miles at 15 knots. The endurance is seven days without support, extendable to 21 days with a supply tender. Four onboard generators provide 550 kW each, ensuring redundant electrical power for ship systems and mission modules. The standard crew complement consists of 65 personnel, including one commanding officer, 10 officers, 16 chief petty officers, and 38 enlisted sailors.

The ship’s armament includes four RBS-15 Mk3 surface-to-surface missiles, capable of engaging both naval and land targets at distances over 200 kilometers. The forward-mounted OTO Melara 76/62 Super Rapid gun supports surface engagement and air defense. Two MLG 27 remote-controlled autocannons are mounted for close-in protection. For air and missile defense, two RAM Block II launchers, each containing 21 missiles, are installed. These provide self-defense against incoming anti-ship missiles and aerial threats. The corvette is configured for mine-laying, with provisions to carry up to 68 mines. Compatible models include DM11, DM41, DM51, and DM61, with options for both moored and bottom-laid deployment.

The Braunschweig class currently comprises five operational ships from Batch I, among them Erfurt (F262), Oldenburg (F263), and Ludwigshafen am Rhein (F264), which took part in a joint exercise in May 2023. (Picture source: German Navy)

The TRS-4D radar system provides primary surveillance and targeting capabilities. Operating in the C-band, the radar supports multi-target tracking with 3D functionality. Additional sensors include two navigation radars, electro-optical MIRADOR units, and the MSSR 2000 IFF transponder. The UL 5000 K electronic warfare suite integrates electronic support measures, countermeasures, and communications intelligence. The suite uses spiral, dipole, and phased-array antennas distributed around the ship. MASS decoy launchers and Cicada-based jammers provide additional defense against guided munitions. The integrated system is intended to enhance survivability in dense electromagnetic environments.

The aviation facilities consist of a 24-meter by 12.6-meter flight deck suitable for 12-ton helicopters such as the NH90 and Sea King. The onboard hangar is reserved for UAVs. While past efforts to integrate UAVs such as the Camcopter S-100 and Sea Falcon (Skeldar V-200) were terminated in 2024 due to performance issues, future retrofits are planned to reintroduce drone deployment and counter-drone capabilities. These upgrades aim to enhance reconnaissance and targeting functionality, allowing the vessel to maximize the range and effect of its long-range missiles.

Augsburg’s systems are managed through the Combat Direction System, which uses distributed commercial computing platforms for data fusion and weapon control. The CDS integrates radar, EO/IR, ESM, and weapon data into a single situational awareness picture. Data flows through a redundant fiber-optic network, connecting the operations center, bridge, and auxiliary command posts. The Integrated Monitoring and Control System (IMCS) oversees over 7,000 sensors and control points, enabling real-time diagnostics, predictive maintenance, and shore-based support when in port. A video bus distributes sensor and camera feeds to all workstations. An onboard intranet connects logistics, administration, and combat subsystems.

Support for construction and outfitting is anchored by infrastructure expansions by NVL, including dry dock roofing in Wolgast and the development of the NVL Campus in Lemwerder, where over 400 employees will work. In 2024, NVL recruited an additional 400 personnel. The K130 Batch II contract also includes logistics, documentation, and shore training systems. The christening of the Augsburg represents progress within the Bundeswehr’s naval modernization initiative, with the vessel scheduled to enter service following completion of all required acceptance trials and final systems checks.