Germany pays to keep options open as F126 uncertainty continues

A computer generated image of TKMS' MEKO A-200 frigate design. (TKMS)

The Budget Committee of the German Bundestag approved a preliminary agreement to establish production schedules for a potential order for Multi-purpose Combination (Mehrzweck-Kombination: MEKO) A-200 DEU (Deutschland) frigates.

Meeting on 28 January 2026, the Budget Committee approved a preliminary agreement to safeguard what it called “measures to ensure deadlines” in the event an alternative platform for the German Navy's proposed F126 frigate project is purchased.

“The construction of F126-class frigates by a Dutch shipyard [Damen] is significantly delayed. Therefore, a German manufacturer [TKMS] has proposed its MEKO-class ships.”

An unstated number of MEKO A-200 frigates would be intended as a stopgap while the F126 frigates were built.

TKMS said in a press release on 3 February that its preliminary agreement with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) “enables the start of central preparatory measures”, which the company plans to start in February 2026.

TKMS added that the preliminary agreement initially covers procurement and work up to EUR50 million (USD59 million) in value up until the end of March 2026, with the option of extending the contract in stages. The company said that while there is no official construction contract yet associated with it, the preliminary agreement marks the official start of the MEKO A-200 DEU project.

The agreement “lays the foundation for the immediate ramp-up of the project. In particular, the agreement enables us to procure materials and begin immediate steelwork at the shipyard”, Oliver Juckenhöfel, executive vice-president surface vessels at TKMS said.

While delivery of the first TKMS MEKO A-200 vessel was projected for December 2029, a construction contract was not signed in January 2026 as intended.