Damen and Germany in ongoing talks over future of F126 frigate project

November 17, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Dutch shipbuilding major Damen Shipyards Group has continued constructive discussions with Germany on the progress of the F126 frigate project, the company revealed in its 2024 annual report.

Damen said ongoing talks about the future of the German Navy’s F126 frigate program are examining whether primary responsibility for the project could be shifted to German stakeholders, while the Dutch shipbuilder would remain a key industrial partner.

The discussions, which are expected to continue for several more months, also prompted a reassessment of earlier financial support plans. According to the company, the Dutch government’s proposal to provide a temporary €270 million bridge loan is no longer needed. Damen said it “greatly appreciates” the government’s willingness to offer the support, even though the measure will not move forward.

Working closely with the Dutch Ministry of Defense, Damen said it now plans to place a stronger focus on the fleet-renewal programs of the Royal Netherlands Navy and the Belgian Navy, which it described as critical to strengthening naval readiness in both countries.

To recap, in June 2020, Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) awarded Damen Naval the contract to design and build four MKS 180 multi-purpose combat ships for the German Navy. The class was redesignated as Frigate Class 126 (F126) later that year.

Last year, Germany placed an order for two additional F126 frigates from the shipyard. The new contract brought the total number of ordered vessels to six. Damen then reported that the work will begin in parallel at the German Naval Yards shipyard in Kiel and at the Blohm+Voss NVL site in Hamburg in the coming period.

Germany orders two more F126 frigates from Damen Naval

Vessels

With a length of 166 meters and a displacement of up to 10,000 tonnes, the F126 frigates will be the largest in the German naval fleet. According to Damen Naval, the versatile multi-mission platforms can operate all over the world and in all conditions, from the tropics to the polar regions. The keel-laying ceremony for the vessel in this class was held in June 2024.

Keel laid for German Navy’s first F126 frigate

Vessels

Financially, 2024 was a positive year for Damen, it was reported. Revenue remained just above €3 billion. Net profit rose from €43 million to €58 million. The order book was filled with a record €5.9 billion in new orders, increasing to €10.4 billion. Damen expects 2025 to be another financially positive year.