Germany scraps F126 frigate program, pivots to MEKO warships amid cost and contractor chaos

Germany’s Defense Ministry canceled its F126 frigate program due to delays and cost overruns under Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding, opting instead to purchase eight MEKO A-200 frigates from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) to meet NATO anti-submarine warfare obligations. The shift follows failed negotiations with Lürssen, which would have required a €15.2 billion price tag for six F126 ships, and legal disputes with Damen over breach of contract claims.