IT’S ALL ABOUT EXPERTISE:
Airspace defense to secure the world’s oceans as well as the North Sea and Baltic Sea with leading naval technologies.
GEOPOLITICAL DEVELOPMENTS ARE RESHAPING GERMANY’S SECURITY POLICY
The demands on defense capabilities have fundamentally changed. Securing coastlines and international sea routes is now of decisive importance.
GERMANY’S GLOBAL TRADE RELIES ON SECURE SEAS
The export economy depends more than ever on free and protected trade routes in the North Sea and Baltic Sea. A powerful German Navy safeguards these vital connections.
THE TKMS F124 FRIGATE CLASS HAS RELIABLY ENSURED MARITIME SECURITY FOR YEARS
The proven Sachsen, Hamburg, and Hessen frigates have been in service since the early 2000s. For the future, the Navy requires a high-performance successor.
THE F127 FRIGATE GENERATION ESTABLISHES THE FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG NAVY OF TOMORROW
With the F127, TKMS closes the gap in defense capability. It stands for innovation, future-readiness, and maximum performance—indispensable for Germany’s maritime security.
MEKO® A-400 AMD
THE NEW FRIGATE FROM TKMSThe MEKO® A-400 AMD is the multi-role solution for next-generation air defense. As a high-performance frigate for the German Navy, its design is already available at TKMS.
Its strength lies in defending against airborne threats. At the same time, it is an essential component of the integrated effect network for ground- and air-based air defense. The MEKO® A-400 AMD also supports territorial missile defense and can be deployed effectively against submarines.
This ship sets benchmarks in performance and build quality. With decades of experience and comprehensive expertise, TKMS delivers tailored and cost-efficient solutions for complex maritime requirements.
TKMS is the maritime powerhouse with a unique value proposition. As the only German shipyard, TKMS masters the construction and system integration of this highly complex frigate from a single source.
TKMS is the reliable partner actively shaping the new era. With our submarines and surface vessels, we are equipping the German Navy for its 2035 force objectives and new threats.
Our solutions protect against air attacks, intercontinental missiles, and hypersonic weapons. At the same time, they ensure comprehensive reconnaissance and command capabilities.
TKMS is Your Maritime Powerhouse. We combine state-of-the-art surface and underwater technologies with electronic expertise for your security.
TKMS consistently strengthens its technological expertise in the development, construction, and system integration of naval combat vessels in Germany. The company possesses extensive know-how, a dedicated and qualified team, and state-of-the-art production capabilities at the cutting-edge shipyard location in Wismar. This ensures optimal readiness to successfully execute demanding projects of this scale.
Innovation and responsibility for a secure future
With our Surface, Underwater, and ATLAS ELEKTRONIK businesses coming together as TKMS, we’re one of the world’s leading providers of integrated system solutions in maritime defense technologies, designed to meet the complex requirements of modern navies. From a single source. And ready to tackle and master the challenges of a changing world.
New frigates for effective air defense
MEKO® A-400 AMD based on the proven MEKO® design principle
TKMS offers a technologically leading and immediately available solution based on the MEKO® design principle, developed in Germany and internationally established. The MEKO® A-400 AMD enhances the capabilities of the proven MEKO® A-400 with a powerful Air & Missile Defense function for the future air defense frigate of the German Navy.
THE MEKO® A-400 AMD IS DESIGNED FOR INTEGRATION OF DIVERSE WEAPON AND COMMAND SYSTEMS
It ensures maximum interoperability among NATO navies and precisely meets the current requirements of NATO forces. The design combines high combat power, speed, and endurance within a compact size. Proven concepts such as propulsion system, power supply, onboard helicopter integration, and established weapon system components significantly reduce construction risk.
INNOVATIVE DEFENSE MISSILES FOR MULTIPLE THREATS
The MEKO® A-400 AMD is equipped with a combination of new and available defense missiles. It effectively counters airborne threats and engages multiple targets simultaneously at previously unattainable ranges. Additionally, the frigate is fully operational for missions against sea and land targets as well as for anti-submarine warfare.
TKMS thus delivers a powerful, future-proof system solution for maritime defense.
Reduced detectability
High survivability in operation due to low radar signature, minimal heat emission, and reduced underwater signature.
Interoperability
MEKO® A-400 combines proven design with powerful Air & Missile Defense (AMD). As the only national ship design available, it integrates a wide range of NATO mission systems and sets new standards in maritime defense.
High range
The MEKO® A-400 AMD impresses with a planned sea endurance of at least 30 days and a range of approximately 4,000 nautical miles. The frigate operates independently and provides effective protection for maritime task forces. In doing so, it significantly strengthens Germany’s contribution to national and collective defense within the framework of NATO.
Wismar Shipyard
TKMS IS UNIQUE IN THE GERMAN SHIPBUILDING SECTOR FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, CONSTRUCTION, AND SYSTEM INTEGRATION OF HIGHLY COMPLEX FRIGATES.
With its shipyard in Wismar, TKMS has a strategically optimal production site. Direct access to the Baltic Sea and a comprehensively modernized infrastructure meet all requirements for the final outfitting of new frigates. The facilities are specifically designed for the construction of these vessels and guarantee maximum efficiency.
Wismar is a key location for the future of naval surface shipbuilding. The construction of modern frigates ensures full utilization of the shipyard well into the 2030s. Starting in 2025, up to 1,500 highly skilled employees will be able to handle orders. For national contracts, around 90 percent of the order volume is realized through close cooperation with shipyards and industry partners in Germany.
TKMS stands for precision and system leadership – your reliable partner for maritime defense systems.
OUR EXPERTISE SETS STANDARDS AND SHAPES THE FUTURE
Success Story: F124
The F124 class frigates were built by thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Designed for air defense.
In reliable service with the German Navy since the early 2000s.
Success Story: F125
State-of-the-art frigate, currently in service with the German Navy. Built under the leadership of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
Capabilities for land and sea combat as well as air defense.
Success Story: MEKO® A-200 EN
Construction and delivery of frigates for the Egyptian Navy in record time.
Frigates are leaders in their class in terms of performance. Fourth frigate to be completed in Egypt.
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REFERENCES FOR INNOVATIVE MEKO® COMBAT SHIPS
Since 1960, TKMS has delivered MEKO®-technology combat ships to 19 navies worldwide. This includes the German Navy’s frigates of classes 123, 124, and 125, as well as the class 130 corvette. This track record demonstrates TKMS’s extensive experience and capability to empower navies with tailored, competitive system solutions.
For more information, visit: thyssenkrupp Marine Systems | Products & Services
Value Creation in Germany
WISMAR SHIPYARD: A POWERFUL PRODUCTION BASE
TKMS operates an ultra-modern production site at the Wismar shipyard. High value creation, efficient processes, and direct access to the Baltic Sea ensure optimal conditions. At full capacity, up to 1,500 skilled employees work on building the new air defense frigates for the German Navy.
STRONG TOGETHER IN FRIGATE CONSTRUCTION
TKMS guarantees the involvement of additional German shipyards. Together with Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), a joint venture was established to manufacture the F127 class frigates. Numerous subcontractors from almost every federal state, including many medium-sized companies, supply key components—securing significant shares in the overall value creation.
International Partnerships
Germany is at the heart of Europe and plays a key role in collective defense. Together with its partners, it secures the transatlantic sea routes, European ports, and the entire alliance area – among other things through the capability for sea-based air defense. In light of the shift of the.S. military focus to the Indo-Pacific, it is essential that Europe develops independent solutions for maritime security. Only in this way can a maritime presence with sufficient striking power be established.
TKMS brings all the necessary capacities, competencies, and resources to decisively strengthen bi- and multinational partnerships in close coordination with the German federal government as well as NATO and EU partners.
ALWAYS AHEAD WITH INNOVATIVE SYSTEMS
Within the framework of the pan-European submarine program 212CD, the most advanced conventional submarines worldwide are being developed. In surface shipbuilding, cross-border strategic partnerships for new frigates offer significant advantages. These cooperations elevate defense to a new level.
STRENGTHENING EUROPEAN AIR DEFENSE
The European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI) unites 19 European countries for a joint air defense. The goal is to better protect Europe against air attacks and to strengthen the European contribution to NATO air defense. Existing capabilities are being expanded and gaps closed. Ground-based air defense systems are jointly procured, operated, and maintained.
TKMS provides the MEKO® A-400 AMD as the ideal platform for demanding projects in maritime air defense. The integrable weapons and command systems guarantee high interoperability among NATO countries. In this way, TKMS ensures seamless and effective air defense – for greater security over the European skies.