German XXL frigate on the horizon - but when will the super warship arrive? | Euronews

## Summary
By&nbsp Johanna Urbancik Published on 04/04/2026 - 20:50 GMT+2 Share Comments Share Facebook Twitter Flipboard Send Reddit Linkedin Messenger Telegram VK Bluesky Threads Whatsapp Germany does not have an aircraft carrier, but is planning the largest frigate in the world - the F126. The largest frigate class in the world is to be built in Germany, with the first F126 class frigate, the "Niedersachsen", already under construction. The project, originally considered to be the navy's largest procurement project, is already massively behind schedule with a possible delay of four years. At the end of last year, US President Donald Trump announced the construction of a new generation of battleships which, according to him, will be "bigger and more heavily armed than anything the US Navy has ever built".

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By&nbsp
Johanna Urbancik
Published on
04/04/2026 - 20:50 GMT+2
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Germany does not have an aircraft carrier, but is planning the largest frigate in the world - the F126. It is due to set sail in 2029 and will be suitable for submarine hunting or drone operations, depending on the mission. But there are problems with the vessel. When will the super ship arrive?
The largest frigate class in the world is to be built in Germany, with the first F126 class frigate, the "Niedersachsen", already under construction. The project, originally considered to be the navy's largest procurement project, is already massively behind schedule with a possible delay of four years. It was expected to be deployed in the North Atlantic from 2029.
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The main difference between the F126 and classic frigates lies in its concept, as it is designed less for individual combat roles and more as a flexible multi-purpose platform.
A modular system, adaptable to different tasks
The centrepiece is the modular system, which allows the ship to be converted depending on the mission - for example for submarine hunting, special forces or drone operations. At the same time, it is designed for long missions and can remain in the operational area for up to two years with changing crews.
At around 10,000 tonnes, it is also one of the largest frigates in the world and offers plenty of space for additional systems, helicopters and unmanned technologies. It is therefore less of a classic warship for high-intensity combat but primarily designed for permanent presence, surveillance and command of operations.
At the same time, the German government is also pushing ahead with an alternative solution: the multi-purpose frigate Meko A-200 (F128) from TKMS, for which the first funds from the special fund have already been released, as reported by the
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung
(FAZ). At least four ships are to be procured, with an option for more.
USA to build "Trump Class" battleship
Large warships are not only being built in Germany. At the end of last year, US President Donald Trump announced the construction of a new generation of battleships which, according to him, will be "bigger and more heavily armed than anything the US Navy has ever built".
Predictably, the new generation is called
"Trump Class"
, the first ship of which, the "USS Defiant", is to be built from the early 2030s. According to the President, the ships will be equipped with guns and missiles and will be able to carry weapons systems that have not yet been developed, such as laser systems and hypersonic weapons. They could also be equipped with nuclear-armed sea-based cruise missiles.
The US Navy has not had a battleship in commission since the retirement of the last
Iowa
-class battleship 34 years ago.
'Bridge solution' instead of interminable construction site?
Back in Germany, the Meko is seen as a quickly available "bridge solution", but the F126 project can hardly be stopped, as the vast amounts already invested would be difficult to justify. According to reports, however, there are plans to continue both projects in parallel.
The problems with the F126 project are mainly due to technical and organisational issues - above all in IT. The Dutch shipyard Damen was originally awarded the contract. In 2020, it came out on top with the most favourable offer and promised to bring a large part of the production to Germany.
However, the project quickly stalled. One key problem was that the design data could not be transferred to the systems of the participating shipyards and suppliers. Planning and construction did not run in harmony - delays were inevitable.
In autumn 2025, Damen was finally removed from project management. The focus is now on the German shipyard group NVL (Naval Vessels Lürssen).
According to the FAZ, support could come from German defence giant Rheinmetall. As the data transmission issues now seem to have been resolved internally - a crucial step for the project to proceed - Rheinmetall now wants to speed up construction.
Under favourable conditions, the first ship could be launched in 2031, experts estimate, while at the same time fearing that costs could soar.
Sounds familiar, FCAS jet fighter?
Germany, France and Spain have been working together for almost a decade on the European fighter jet, the
Future Combat Air
System(FCAS). It is set to replace the Eurofighter and the French Rafale from 2040. However, progress on this prestigious project has been painfully slow for some time.
The reason for this is said to be ongoing differences between Airbus and Dassault. The French manufacturer is believed to be insisting on a clear leadership role, considering itself capable of developing the fighter aircraft on its own if necessary, and pushing for a large part of the added value to be bundled in France.
In February, German Chancellor Fr

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## Expert Analysis

### Merits
- However, progress on this prestigious project has been painfully slow for some time.

### Areas for Consideration
- Back in Germany, the Meko is seen as a quickly available "bridge solution", but the F126 project can hardly be stopped, as the vast amounts already invested would be difficult to justify.
- One key problem was that the design data could not be transferred to the systems of the participating shipyards and suppliers.

### Implications
- It is due to set sail in 2029 and will be suitable for submarine hunting or drone operations, depending on the mission.
- When will the super ship arrive?
- At the end of last year, US President Donald Trump announced the construction of a new generation of battleships which, according to him, will be "bigger and more heavily armed than anything the US Navy has ever built".
- According to the President, the ships will be equipped with guns and missiles and will be able to carry weapons systems that have not yet been developed, such as laser systems and hypersonic weapons.

### Expert Commentary
This article covers project, germany, german topics. Notable strengths include discussion of project. Areas of concern are also raised. Readability: Flesch-Kincaid grade 0.0. Word count: 932.