Rheinmetall unveils GMF 140 frigate design, begins F123 modernisation
A computer-generated rendering of Rheinmetall's Guided Missile Frigate 140 (GMF 140) design, in an image released on 3 August 2026. (Rheinmetall)
Rheinmetall unveiled its Guided Missile Frigate 140 (GMF 140) design on 3 August 2026, saying it intends to initially offer the design as part of an unspecified upcoming procurement campaign in North America, before offering it to other international customers.
GMF 140 frigate design Source: Rheinmetall Naval Systems: 3 August 2026 Length140 mDisplacement6,000+ tonnesSpeed30 ktCrew90 (+35)Combat SystemAEGIS, or CMS330 for European sensor and weapon suitesRadarUS sourced: configured with AEGIS for detection, tracking and engagement including conventional air threats, hypersonic weapons, and ballistic missile defence (BMD) Launcher64 Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS) cells for air defence, BMD, and land-attack missilesAnti-ship missilesTorpedo launchers127 mm main gunElectro-optical (EO) sensorsElectronic warfare (EW) suitesClose-in weapons systems (CIWSs)Laser directed-energy weapons (LDEWs)Towed sonarHull mounted sonarDecoy systemsAft flight deck and hangarEmbarked US or European helicopters, unmanned aerial, surface, and underwater vehiclesA digitally integrated architecture is designed for minimum crew operation. A low-signature hull incorporates acoustic management as well as sonar for ASW.
F123 modernisation
On 30 July Rheinmetall announced it had been awarded a contract in the mid-three-digit million-EUR range to conduct a mechanical and systems overhaul on the F123 frigate Bayern at its Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven, to extend the vessel's operational availability until at least 2035.
On 11 June 2026, the Budget Committee of the German parliament approved an anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and torpedo-detection modification package for the German Navy's existing four Brandenburg-class (F123) frigates.
Entering service in 1996, the 143 m long Brandenburg-class is undergoing a service life extension programme. Bayern
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