Rheinmetall has been awarded a contract valued at several hundred million euros to upgrade the German Navy’s F123-class frigate Bayern, extending its operational service beyond 2035 while enhancing its capabilities to meet evolving mission requirements. Under the life extension program, the frigate will undergo an extensive modernization at Rheinmetall’s Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven, with work scheduled for completion by 2029. The refit includes the installation of a new combat management system, upgrades to propulsion and onboard engineering systems, and modernization of the radar suite. The vessel’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities will also be significantly improved, ensuring compliance with modern naval warfare standards and boosting operational effectiveness. About F123-Class Frigate Bayern is the third of four Brandenburg-class (F123) frigates operated by the German Navy. Commissioned on June 15, 1996, and built by Thyssen Nordseewerke in Emden, the 138.8-meter warship is optimized for anti-submarine warfare missions. With a displacement of around 4,900 tons and a combined diesel or gas (CODOG) propulsion system, the frigate can achieve speeds of up to 29 knots. The F123 fleet has undergone multiple upgrades in recent years, including improvements to radar, combat management, and fire-control systems. Bayern is now in the early stages of its service life extension, with major systems being removed before entering dry dock for the next phase of modernization.
