Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has supplied the Czech Republic, via its Czech partners RETIA and VTU, with the first air defense Multi-Mission Radar (MMR), as part of a deal signed in December 2019 by the Ministries of Defense of both the Czech Republic and Israel. The radar, which is operational and combat-proven in Israel, provides both surveillance and defense capabilities to customers around the world, and is integrative with NATO systems. The radar detects and classifies threats, and supplies weapons systems with the data necessary to neutralize a number of those threats simultaneously. Thanks to the system’s advanced tracking capabilities, the radar provides situational awareness which is both precise and reliable, and includes the detection and identification of targets having low signatures.
The radar displays a high-quality air situation picture, dealing simultaneously and efficiently with a wide range of targets while supporting air defense systems
The MMR can deal simultaneously with multiple missions – including air defense against aircraft, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and drones, artillery against varied enemy targets, and the identification and location of rocket launches, enemy artillery, and mortars, while locating both the launch and expected hit position, and controlling intercepting missiles launched against these threats. The MMR is the ‘brain’ of Israel’s Barak MX Air and Missile Defense System, the Iron Dome, and David’s Sling, and to date over 150 such systems have been sold to customers around the world.
Yoav Tourgeman, IAI VP and ELTA CEO, said: «Working together with our local Czech partners, IAI is proud to supply the Czech Ministry of Defense with these advanced radar systems on time and according to the project schedule. Despite the challenges of the last two years during the COVID-19 pandemic, the project teams, in both Israel and the Czech Republic, were able to cooperate successfully while remaining committed to the aim of joint production. The advanced radar that has now been supplied to the Czech Republic is able to simultaneously identify and classify hundreds of targets, perform identification of unmanned platforms, missiles, rockets and other new threats in the operational area. We believe that the system’s ability to integrate with NATO systems will bring about a new era of operations for the Czech Ministry of Defense».
The Department of the Air Force’s new weapon system, the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent, has officially been designated the LGM-35A Sentinel.
Shown is an illustration of the LGM-35A Sentinel, the Air Force’s newest weapon system known as the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent. The new designation, approved by Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall, modernizes the intercontinental ballistic missile leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad (U.S. Air Force illustration)
Secretary of the Air Force Frank Kendall approved the designation for the system that modernizes the InterContinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) leg of the Nation’s nuclear triad.
«Our Nation’s nuclear deterrent force, two legs of which is operated by Airmen, has quietly provided a strategic security shield for decades», Kendall said. «All that time, the Department of the Air Force has kept the watch; always vigilant and ready. The name Sentinel recognizes the mindset that thousands of Airmen, past and present, have brought to the deterrence mission, and will serve as a reminder for those who operate, secure, and maintain this system in the future about the discipline and responsibility their duty entails».
The Air Force determined the LGM-35A Sentinel would provide continuity in strategic deterrence and cost less than extending the life of the current ICBM fleet, comprised of the aging Minuteman III. Replacing the 1970s-era missile modernizes the ground-based leg of the nuclear triad and brings the Minuteman’s more than 50 years of service to a close.
«As the Air Force celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, the Minuteman III Weapon System has been and will continue to be integral to our Nation’s defense», said Air Force Chief of Staff General Charles Q. Brown, Jr. «As we look ahead to the next 75 years, investing in nuclear modernization is as relevant as ever and we are committed to transitioning to the Sentinel, which will ensure our Nation is ready to provide strategic deterrence for tomorrow».
Lockheed Martin has released an open-source, non-proprietary interface standard to support on-orbit docking within the industry.
A conceptual design demonstrates how a docking port may be incorporated onto a satellite using the Mission Augmentation Port (MAP) interface standard (Image: Lockheed Martin)
With unity of effort in mind, Lockheed Martin has published this Mission Augmentation Port (MAP) interface standard online to support industry approaches to on-orbit servicing and mission augmentation.
The MAP standard provides a mechanical interface design for docking spacecraft to one another. Equipping satellites with docking adapters offer a novel way to add new mission capabilities to a platform after launch. Lockheed Martin’s own Augmentation System Port Interface (ASPIN) is designed to be compliant with the MAP standard. The ASPIN adapter provides electrical and data interface between a host spacecraft and a Satellite Augmentation Vehicle (SAV). With this technology, we’re able to upgrade operational spacecraft at the speed of technology and provide built-in servicing infrastructure for spacecraft on orbit.
The data released by Lockheed Martin can be used by designers to develop their own MAP-compliant docking adapters that will – barring some required discussion between servicers and hosts to coordinate missions – permit interoperability of docking satellites. Specifically, the documents released contain the information required for a compliant physical mate of docking port halves, such as the dimensions of plates and petals. While determined to be application specific, suggestions for electrical interfaces and docking profiles are included.
«Just like USB was designed to standardize computer connections, these documents are designed to standardize how spacecraft connect to each other on orbit», said Paul Pelley, Senior Director of Advanced Programs at Lockheed Martin Space. «We believe it’s in the best interest of the nation for the industry to have common interface standards to provide mission agility and enterprise interoperability».
Vision for On-Orbit Upgrades
Much in the way we can now update missions on orbit using SmartSat to push software updates or load new apps, Lockheed Martin recognizes the need to reconfigure hardware capabilities to meet evolving mission needs. That’s where standards for docking come in: standardized docking interfaces allow satellite operators to unlock a new type of mission upgrades.
Those upgrades are constrained only by the capabilities of the host satellite and the docking port interface, and could include processors, mass storage, or sensors that add longevity and value to missions. New mission capabilities can also be rapidly prototyped and tested on host spacecraft at a lower cost than traditional methods. Likewise, some satellite components can be replaced or upgraded after launch with new hardware.
Unlike previous space missions where cutting-edge technology begins to lose relevance immediately after launch, future missions will be able to be upgraded via on-orbit hardware and software upgrades. What Lockheed Martin is envisioning goes beyond “filling up the tank” to extend mission life. The company believes its work will add real mission capability in a sustainable, cost-effective way.
«Ultimately, our goal is to drive the development of a new ecosystem where a platform’s function can change at the pace of technology», said Pelley. «This ecosystem will be made up of SAV providers, payload manufacturers, and others who will benefit from the on-orbit augmentation infrastructure».
Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) launched the Legend-class National Security Cutter (NSC) USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) on Saturday, April 03, 2022, at the company’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. Launching Calhoun is the first of a series of significant milestone events in bringing the ship to life.
HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division launched the Legend-class national security cutter USCGC Calhoun (WMSL-759) on Saturday, April 2
«The national security cutters are critically important to the safety and security of our country», said Kari Wilkinson, president of HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division. «I am very proud of our NSC team who continues to build efficiencies into a mature program line to deliver the Coast Guard’s most advanced cutters. Our shipbuilders are proud and honored to build these magnificent ships, and we know that this ship named after the first Master Chief Petty of the Coast Guard, Charles L. Calhoun, has special meaning for the U.S. Coast Guard».
With the assistance of tugs, Calhoun came off the floating dry dock Saturday, after first being translated via Ingalls’ rail car system. The dock was moved away from the pier and then ballasted to float off the ship.
Ingalls Shipbuilding is the sole designer and provider of the Coast Guard Legend-class national security cutter. The flagship of the Coast Guard fleet, NSCs are capable of embarking and supporting a wide range of Coast Guard, Navy and NATO manned and unmanned aircraft. NSCs have proven to be ideal platforms for drug interdiction, global illegal fishing, disaster relief and defense support operations.
Ingalls has delivered nine Legend-class NSCs, and two more are under construction. In November of 2020, the ninth NSC, USCGC Stone (WMSL-758), was delivered to the Coast Guard and proceeded to conduct an unprecedented 68-day shakedown patrol, which resulted in a drug bust within two weeks of sail away and an extensive illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing enforcement patrol off the coast of South America. Calhoun, the 10th NSC, is scheduled to be christened at Ingalls Shipbuilding in June 2022 and expected to be delivered in early 2023.
Facts
Displacement
4,500 long tons
Length
418 feet/127 m
Beam
54 feet/16 m
Speed
28 knots/32 mph/52 km/h
Range
12,000 NM/13,809 miles/22,224 km
Endurance
60 days
Crew
120
Equipped with
Mk-110 57-mm turret mounted gun
6 × 12.7-mm/.50 caliber machine guns
3D air search radar
2 level 1, class 1 aircraft hangers
A stern launch ramp for mission boats
Aviation carried
(2) MCH, or (4) Vertical-Launch Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (VUAV) or (1) MCH and (2) VUAV
Stern launch
Two cutter boats (Long Range Interceptor and/or Short Range Prosecutor)
Electronic Warfare and Decoys
AN/SLQ-32 Electronic Warfare System, Two Super Rapid Bloom Offboard Countermeasures (SRBOC)/2 NULKA countermeasures chaff rapid decoy launcher
Communications
HF, VHF & UHF
Sensors and Processing Systems
X and S band radar, 3D air search radar, AN/SPQ-9 radar, Identification, Friend or Foe (IFF)
Raytheon Missiles & Defense (RMD), a Raytheon Technologies business, was awarded a $651 million, with options totaling $2.5 billion, hardware, production and sustainment contract for full-rate production of the AN/SPY-6(V) Family of Radars. The contract, with options, totals $3.2 billion and five years of radar production to equip up to 31 U.S. Navy ships with SPY-6 radars.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense awarded $651 million to produce SPY-6 radars for next-gen U.S. Navy ships
Under the contract, RMD will produce solid state, fixed-face and rotating SPY-6 variants that will deliver unprecedented integrated air and missile defense capabilities for seven types of U.S. Navy ships over the next 40 years. Those vessels include the Navy’s new Arleigh Burke class Flight III destroyers, aircraft carriers and amphibious ships; today’s Flight IIA destroyers will be backfit with an upgraded radar.
«There is no other radar with the surface maritime capabilities of SPY-6», said Wes Kremer, president of Raytheon Missiles & Defense. «SPY-6 is the most advanced naval radar in existence, and it will provide our military a giant leap forward in capability for decades to come».
Since its inception, more than $600 million has been invested in the development and manufacturing of the SPY-6 family of radars. When compared to legacy radars, SPY-6 will bring new capabilities to the surface fleet, such as advanced electronic warfare protection and enhanced detection abilities.
SPY-6 array radar variants have between nine and 37 Radar Modular Assemblies, known as RMAs. Common RMAs allow SPY-6 to be scalable and modular to support production for the U.S. and partner nations across all variants, to include the Enterprise Air Surveillance Radar. This commonality supports standardized logistics and training for those who work on the radars.
SPY-6 radar installation is complete on the Navy’s first Flight III destroyer, the USS Jack H. Lucas (DDG-125), which is scheduled to be operational in 2024. Radar array deliveries are complete for the next ship in the class, the future USS Ted Stevens (DDG-128).
Raytheon Intelligence & Space (RI&S), a Raytheon Technologies business, demonstrated that their High Energy Laser Weapon System, or HELWS, can pair with the National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), to stop unmanned aircraft threats.
The High-Energy Laser Weapon System, mounted on a tactical military vehicle, demonstrates interoperability with the NASAMS air defense system at White Sands Missile Range
During the live-fire exercise, the HELWS received cues from the NASAMS Fire Distribution Center and used automated target cueing and a full spectrum of electro-optical/infrared sensors to track, identify and quickly take down drones at tactically relevant distances. The HELWS took down nine Group 1 and Group 2 drones over the White Sands Missile Range.
«Drone threats are particularly dangerous in any environment – from soccer stadiums to battlefields – because they’re not easy to spot and take down», said Annabel Flores, president of Electronic Warfare Systems for RI&S. «We’re showing the world that our defensive laser weapons can plug into existing air defenses to find and drop drones in the blink of an eye».
Representatives from multiple U.S. military and civilian agencies as well as international ministries of defense gathered at the White Sands Missile Range to see how the HELWS is readily interoperable with existing command and control systems. The NASAMS medium-range air defense solution, co-developed by Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace, consists of the Sentinel radar, Fire Distribution Center, and a suite of effectors. The demonstration showcased the ability to integrate a counter-unmanned aircraft systems solution with NASAMS, adding to its interoperability and medium-range air defense capabilities for a true layered defense.
By adding NASAMS to the list of sensors, effectors, and command and control systems the HELWS already works with, Raytheon Technologies can provide end users maximum flexibility to engage unmanned aircraft threats as part of an integrated air defense.
RI&S’ laser weapon systems, built in McKinney, Texas, work on land, in the air and at sea, providing 360-degree coverage that can protect bases, airports, stadiums and other high-value military or civilian assets. Open architecture, scalable power, and ruggedize design easily adapts to the demands of the mission. HELWS can be used as a standalone system or rapidly installed on a variety of platforms.
Navantia delivered on March 31, 2022 to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF) the first of five Avante 2200 class corvettes built in its shipyards in the Bay of Cadiz, in a ceremony held at the facilities of the Naval Base of La Carraca, in San Fernando (Cádiz).
Navantia delivers to the RSNF the first Avante 2200 class corvette
The delivery ceremony of the vessel 546, named HMS Al Jubail (828), was attended by the Commander of the Royal Saudi Naval Force, Vice Admiral Fahad Bin Abdullah Al-Ghofaily; the Spanish the Admiral Chief of Staff of the Spanish Navy (AJEMA), Antonio Martorell Lacave; the CEO of SAMI, Walid Abukhaled; and the Chairman of Navantia, Ricardo Domínguez, as well as the Secretary of State for Trade, Xiana Méndez, and the Secretary General for Industry and SMEs, Raül Blanco.
The corvette HMS Al Jubail (828) has been delivered to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces in approximately three years since the cutting of its first steel plate (January 2019) and after having successfully passed the sea trials carried out in the waters of the Bay of Cadiz during the last few months. These tests have verified the proper functioning of both the platform and the different systems, with the aim of demonstrating compliance with the requirements specified in the ship’s contract.
The event was carried out in accordance with the military protocol. The Joint Inspection Commission (RSNF and Navantia) went on board the corvette to carry out the mandatory inspection. At the end of the inspection, the ship’s flag was raised, after which the RSNF transferred command of the corvette to the Commanding Officer of HMS Al Jubail (828). Finally, the Chairman of Navantia presented to Vice Admiral Al-Ghofaily with the ship’s bell as an institutional gift.
In the commissioning ceremony, Vice-Admiral Al-Ghofaily stated that this ambitious program underlines the strong and lasting strategic relations between the Governments of both Kingdoms and attributed a great credit to Navantia commitment to deliver such a state-of-the-art corvette with distinctive quality on schedule and. He also recognized the merits and commitment of all the people involved, as well as those of the Spanish Navy. HMS Al Jubail (828) is the most technologically advanced surface combatant to join the RSNF, he said. Vice-Admiral Al Ghofaily expressed his utmost gratitude and appreciation to His Majesty the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz, and His Royal Highness Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense for the great attention and unlimited support that they always give to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces.
The CEO of SAMI highlighted that «this is a moment of proud achievement for the Saudi defense industry and SAMI and demonstrates our success in collaboration with leading global OEMs to serve Saudi Arabia’s armed forces. We are confident that HMS Al Jubail (828) will be a key addition to the Kingdom’s defense capability». «On behalf of SAMI, I express our sincere thanks to the Kingdom’s wise leadership for constantly guiding and supporting us. We also extend a special thanks to the Royal Saudi Naval Forces for their trust in us. SAMINavantia continues to support our efforts to build a sustainable defense sector in the Kingdom, which includes developing the first Saudi Naval Combat System – HAZEM, facilitating defense localization through the transfer of technology, and nurturing national talent through on-the-job training».
Navantia’s Chairman, Ricardo Domínguez, stated his pride for «the great task carried out by the shipyard, the cooperation received from all the contractors and suppliers and the collaboration of the officers devoted to the program both in San Fernando and in Saudi Arabia». «I have no doubt that this ship is going to be an international benchmark in her class and a clear example of a cutting-edge product. I want to highlight our commitment to transfer our most advanced technology to the Kongdom of Saudi Arabia», declared Mr. Dominguez.
From the Spanish Government, the Secretary of State for Trade expressed support to the naval industry and highlighted that the Prime Minister has announced that Spain will meet its goal of allocating 2% of GDP to defence, thus contributing to European and Atlantic security, while at the same time strengthening our country’s security.
The Secretary General for Industry and SMEs conveyed in his speech the importance of strengthening the Spanish naval and defence industry in an uncertain global environment, and of working in solid alliances with allied countries as shown today by the delivery of the corvette.
AVANTE 2200 program
The corvette HMS Al Jubail (828) has a length of 104 metres/341 feet, a beam of 14 metres/46 feet and is capable of carrying a total of 102 crew and passengers. The contract for the construction of five corvettes came into force in November 2018 and, since the launching of this first unit in July 2020, Navantia has already launched the five units with a cadence of four months between each of them, which means achieving this milestone in a record time of three years.
The corvettes are based on the AVANTE 2200 design, adapted to the requirements of Saudi Arabia, offering advanced performance, excellent performance at sea, high survivability and ability to operate in extreme temperatures such as in the Red Sea and the Arabian Gulf.
At the same time, around 500 crew members of these corvettes will complete the training process at the Navantia Training Centre (NTC) in San Fernando.
In addition to the corvettes contract, Navantia agreed with Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) the creation of the joint venture SAMINavantia in Saudi Arabia. This alliance benefits NAVANTIA and SAMI, and allows boosting defence programmes in the Kingdom, reinforcing its economy. This joint venture is an exceptional opportunity for Navantia to position its integrated systems and technologically advanced solutions in the Arab market and its area of influence, perfectly aligned with the company’s internationalisation strategy.
The design of the corvettes is state-of-the-art, incorporating SAMINavantia participation and joint developed products, such as the HAZEM combat system, HERMESYS integrated communications system, DORNA fire control system, the Integrated Platform Control System (IPMS) and the MINERVA integrated bridge, together with other equipment developed by Navantia under licence, such as the MTU engines and the RENK gearboxes.
The programme, the last ship of which is due for delivery in 2024, includes in addition to construction, Life Cycle Support for five years from delivery of the first ship, with an option for a further five years.
It also includes the provision of various services, such as integrated logistics support, operational and maintenance training, provision of Training and Training Centres for the Combat System and Platform Control System of the ships, Life Cycle Support and systems for the maintenance of the ships at King Faisal Naval Base in Jeddah.
The keel for the future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127), was ceremonially laid at General Dynamics Bath Iron Works (BIW), March 30.
Keel Authenticated for Future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127)
The ship is named for Marine Corps Corporal Patrick Gallagher, who received the Navy Cross for heroism during the Vietnam War when he managed to jump on and throw an enemy grenade into a river. He was killed in action just one year later. The keel laying marks the 55th anniversary of his death.
A contemporary keel laying ceremony recognizes the moment of a ship’s construction when two significant pieces of the hull structure are welded together and joined, constituting a major portion of the ship’s shape. The authentication or etching of the ship sponsors’ initials into a ceremonial keel plate will take place during the ceremony. The sponsors of USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127) are Gallagher’s three sisters: Teresa Keegan, Rosemarie Gallagher, and Pauline Gallagher.
«The future USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127) will strengthen our maritime dominance and bring proven capability to the fleet», said Captain Seth Miller, DDG-51 class program manager, Program Executive Office (PEO) Ships. «This ship and all who serve aboard it will be a reminder of the steadfast commitment to our country that Corporal Gallagher exhibited».
The final Arleigh Burke-class destroyer built in the Flight IIA configuration, USS Patrick Gallagher (DDG-127) is equipped with the Aegis Baseline 9C2 Combat System, which brings crucial Ballistic Missile Defense capabilities to the Fleet in addition to the ship’s primary missions of anti-air, anti-surface, anti-submarine, and strike warfare.
BIW is also currently in production on the future USS Carl M. Levin (DDG-120), USS John Basilone (DDG-122), USS Harvey C. Barnum Jr. (DDG-124), USS Louis H. Wilson Jr. (DDG-126), USS William Charette (DDG-130), and USS Quentin Walsh (DDG-132).
As one of the Defense Department’s largest acquisition organizations, PEO Ships is responsible for executing the development and procurement of all destroyers, amphibious ships, sealift ships, support ships, boats and craft.
Ship Characteristics
Length Overall
510 feet/156 m
Beam – Waterline
59 feet/18 m
Draft
30.5 feet/9.3 m
Displacement – Full Load
9,217 tons/9,363 metric tons
Power Plant
4 General electric LM 2500-30 gas turbines; 2 shafts; 2 CRP (Contra-Rotating) propellers; 100,000 shaft horsepower/75,000 kW
SPY-1D Phased Array Radar (Lockheed Martin)/AN/SPY-6 Air and Missile Defense Radar (Raytheon Company) and Aegis Combat System (Lockheed Martin); SPS-73(V) Navigation; SPS-67(V)3 Surface Search; 3 SPG-62 Illuminator; SQQ-89(V)6 sonar incorporating SQS-53C hull mounted and SQR-19 towed array sonars used with Mark-116 Mod 7 ASW fire control system
Electronics/Countermeasures
SLQ-32(V)3; Mark-53 Mod 0 Decoy System; Mark-234 Decoy System; SLQ-25A Torpedo Decoy; SLQ-39 Surface Decoy; URN-25 TACAN; UPX-29 IFF System; Kollmorgen Mark-46 Mod 1 Electro-Optical Director
Aircraft
2 embarked SH-60 helicopters ASW operations; RAST (Recovery Assist, Secure and Traverse)
The launching of the corvette QENS Sumaysimah (F104), the fourth of the Al Zubarah-class of four vessels ordered to Fincantieri by the Qatari Ministry of Defence within the national naval acquisition program, took place today at the Muggiano (La Spezia) shipyard.
Fourth corvette for Qatar launched
The ceremony, held in a restricted format and in full compliance with anti-contagion requirements, was attended by H.E. Khalid bin Yousef Al-Sada, Ambassador of The State of Qatar to Italy, Brigadier Rashid Al Qashouti, Chief of Staff Representative of Qatar Armed Forces, Brigadier Ali Ameen, Chief of Qatar Navy Representative, Major General Staff Hilal Al Muhannadi, Defense Attaché of the State of Qatar in Rome, Rear Admiral Riccardo Marchiò, Italian Navy MCM Force Commander, and by Marco Acca, Deputy General Manager Naval Vessel Division of Fincantieri.
The Al Zubarah-class corvettes, designed consistent with the RINAMIL rules, will be highly flexible and capable of fulfilling different kinds of tasks, from surveillance with sea rescue capacities to being fighting vessels. They will be about 107 meters/351 feet long, 14.7 meters/48 feet wide, and equipped with a combined diesel and diesel plant (CODAD), with a maximum speed of 28 knots/32 mph/52 km/h. The units will be able to accommodate 112 persons on board.
Furthermore, the corvettes will be capable of operating high-speed boats such as RHIB (Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat) through lateral cranes or a hauling ramp located at the far stern. The flight deck and hangar are sized for hosting one NH90 helicopter.
Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defence systems have been selected by Damen to equip German Navy’s new four F126 frigates, with the addition of two optional vessels. In addition, the contract includes the supply of support for maintenance activities, simulators for crew training and on-board activities for the integration and commissioning of the system.
Damen chooses Leonardo to equip German Navy’s new frigates
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun is a technologically sophisticated and fully digitalized system able to provide constant support to operators and the on-board Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning. Unique in the international marketplace, Leonardo’s 127/64 LW Vulcano gun can employ equally the standard ammunition 127-mm and both variants of the company’s Vulcano 127-mm ammunition: Guided Long Range (GLR) and Ballistic Extended Range (BER). The gun extends a naval unit’s defensive capability up to 85 km/52.8 miles/45.9 NM while maintaining precision accuracy.
The new agreement builds upon a long-standing strategic partnership between Leonardo – which has different activities in the Country including Leonardo Germany GmbH subsidiary, with a production facility in Neuss – and the German Navy. Leonardo’s naval defence systems already equip German Navy vessels of various, including its Baden-Württemberg class frigates, which are also equipped with the Vulcano ammunition-firing OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano weapon system.
Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director Damen Naval says: «The F126 project is going forward with full speed and in trustworthy cooperation with the German authorities. Leonardo is the perfect partner for our mission to deliver at least four state-of-the-art frigates for the German Navy. F126 will set new standards regarding modularity and capabilities and Leonardo’s naval defence system is an important contribution».
In the naval domain, Leonardo is further consolidating the strategic and established relationship both with Damen Naval and the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has already selected the 127/64 LW Vulcano naval guns, together with the automatic ammunition loading system (Automatic Ammunition Handling System – AAHS) for standard and Vulcano ammunition, with the aim to modernise the four highly advanced air-defence and command frigates of the De Zeven Provinciën-class.
Damen Naval is building the four F126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales. Damen Naval was selected as successful bidder in 2020 following a European tender process spanning several years. The contract covers the delivery of initially four ships in the years 2028 to 2031 with an agreed option for a possible delivery of two more ships in the years after 2032. All building work will be carried out entirely in Germany at shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast.
