Swedish defence group Saab has agreed to supply critical systems and structures for four MEKO A-200 DEU class frigates contracted by the German Navy. TKMS will serve as the prime contractor on the program and the warships are to be constructed in Germany.
The contract value is approximately SEK 8.7 billion. Under the terms of the agreement Saab will provide a package that includes composite superstructures, its 9LV Combat Systems - encompassing the Fire Control System and the Combat Management System - along with an array of sensors.
The sensor suite specified in the agreement includes the Sea Giraffe 4A Fixed Face long-range surveillance radar and the Sea Giraffe 1X lightweight multi-mission surveillance radar, in addition to passive sensor systems. Saab’s deliveries are planned for a multi-year window spanning 2029 through 2032. The contract also contains an option to procure additional frigates beyond the initial four.
"It is with great pride that we continue to build on our long and strong relationship and commitment to Germany and the Bundeswehr, while together with TKMS strengthening the German Navy. These deliveries will significantly enhance the Navy’s anti-air-, anti-submarine- and anti-surface warfare capabilities," said Micael Johansson, CEO and President of Saab.
The agreement assigns TKMS as the program’s prime contractor; TKMS will oversee construction of the MEKO A-200 DEU vessels in Germany while Saab supplies the combat systems, composite structures and sensors. The schedule for Saab’s component deliveries stretches across the 2029-2032 timeframe noted in the contract.
Beyond the baseline scope for the four frigates, the contractual arrangement includes an option for additional ships, allowing for potential expansion of the program should the German Navy and its industrial partners elect to exercise that provision.
This contract focuses on a set of integrated capabilities: structural elements in composite materials, the 9LV line of combat-management and fire-control solutions, and multiple radar and passive-sensor systems tailored to long-range surveillance and multi-mission detection.
Sectors impacted: defence manufacturing, naval shipbuilding, and defence electronics and sensors supply chains.