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The German Navy has signed a contract with Thales Group for the full modernization and overhaul of the electronics in the Deutschmarine’s F122 and F123 frigates. Eight F122s and four F123s will be refitted, together with the associated naval command ground stations in Wilhelmshaven. Thales will also coordinate the naval construction activities included in the program. The contract is worth EUR 70 million.
Four contractors had submitted bids in November 2004: Atlas Elektronik, EADS Defence & Communications Systems, Lockheed Martin Maritime Systems & Sensors (winner of the 1996 electronics and combat systems upgrade project) and Thales Deutschland.
The Deutschmarine’s eight F122 Bremen Class (commissioned 1982-1990) and four F123 Brandenburg Class frigates (commissioned 1994-1996) date back to the early 1980s and 1990s.
Under the new modernization program, all the outdated firepower command and control systems will be replaced by high-performance IT equipment and modern display consoles. The program focuses on intelligence, command, control and participation in integrated joint and allied operations worldwide, and includes command software and the integration of all sensors, weapons and communications systems. This contract is the only significant modernization program currently planned for the German Navy.
In keeping with tradition, Thales Deutschland and Thales Nederland are working together on this contract. Other industrial partners and shipyards in Northern Germany will be involved as subcontractors. This project will sustain over 150 highly jobs in Northern Germany over the next 6 years. Corporate release.