The German defense ministry canceled the F126 frigate program and intends to acquire eight MEKO A-200 DEU frigates built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The ministry stated the new vessels are intended for anti-submarine warfare and to satisfy NATO requirements.

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS) secured a contract in 2020 to construct six F126 frigates, a deal valued at approximately €10 billion ($11.4 billion). Initial capability for the first F126 vessel was scheduled for delivery by DSNS in 2028, with all six vessels expected to be delivered to the German Navy by 2033. DSNS disclosed that it encountered major delays in constructing the ships.

The German defense ministry stated that constructing the F126 ships within the original dates and budget was not viable. Last year, the ministry evaluated changing contractors to Naval Vessels Lürssen B.V. & Co. KG (NVL). A review found that switching the F126 contract to NVL would cost more than €18 billion for the six frigates, a figure that included services outlined in the original DSNS contract.

The ministry stated that waiving potential damage claims against DSNS, which would have been necessary for a contractor change, was not a responsible use of budget funds. A legal review regarding damage claims against DSNS is currently in progress. The plan to purchase the MEKO frigates awaits approval from the budget committee.

Berlin's Inspector of the Navy conducted a review of the MEKO frigates and concluded that they satisfy both German Navy and NATO requirements. The MEKO A-200 DEU frigate measures 121 meters in length and displaces just under 4,000 tonnes. It has a top speed exceeding 29 knots. The initial purchase of four MEKO frigates would cost approximately €6.3 billion. An option exists to acquire an additional four MEKO frigates for roughly €5.3 billion by the end of this year.