Germany firms up future combat ship requirements

Germany has completed the draft statement of requirements for its future MKS 180 Multi-Role Combat Ship.

The requirements and proposed solution will continue to be examined by the Ministry of Defence's cross-service Strategic Defence Planning & Concepts office until official approval is received. Ship procurement will then be handed over to the recently re-organised BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support).

Speaking at IQPC's Surface Warships conference in Madrid, Spain, on 30-31 January 2013, Commander Marco Taedcke, concepts officer in the naval division of the Strategic Planning & Concepts office, indicated that if all goes to plan, the first ship could enter service around 2021.

"The total number of vessels remains to be determined, but we are planning within a budget of around EUR2.5 billion," Cdr Taedcke said. IHS Jane's has previously reported that around six vessels are expected to be built.

A general outline for the MKS 180 vessels, which are due to replace the remaining Type 122 Bremen-class frigates and the Type 143A fast-attack craft, was previously reported in July 2011.