Damen Selects Leonardo to Outfit Germany’s Next-Gen Frigates
Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defense systems have been chosen by Damen to outfit the German Navy’s newest four F126 frigates, complemented by an option for two additional vessels. Furthermore, the agreement encompasses the provision of support for maintenance operations, simulators for crew training, and onboard tasks for system integration and commissioning.
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval artillery is a technologically advanced and thoroughly digitalized system designed to deliver continuous assistance to operators and the onboard Combat Management System for calculating firing solutions during mission preparation. Distinctive in the global market, Leonardo’s 127/64 LW Vulcano artillery can utilize both standard 127mm ammunition and the two variants of the company’s Vulcano 127mm shells: Guided Long Range (GLR) and Ballistic Extended Range (BER). The gun enhances a naval unit’s defensive prowess up to 85 km while ensuring pinpoint accuracy.
The new agreement builds upon a longstanding strategic alliance between Leonardo – which has various operations in the country, including the Leonardo Germany GmbH subsidiary with a manufacturing facility in Neuss – and the German Navy. Leonardo’s naval defense systems are already outfitting German Navy vessels across a range of classes, including its Baden-Württemberg class frigates, which are also armed with the Vulcano ammunition-firing OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano artillery system.
Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director of Damen Naval states: “The F126 initiative is advancing rapidly and in reliable collaboration with the German authorities. Leonardo is the ideal partner for our goal to deliver at least four cutting-edge frigates for the German Navy. The F126 will establish new benchmarks for modularity and capabilities, and Leonardo’s naval defense system is a vital contribution.”
In the maritime sector, Leonardo is further solidifying its strategic and established relationship with both Damen Naval and the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has already selected the 127/64 LW Vulcano naval guns, alongside the automated ammunition loading system (Automatic Ammunition Handling System – AAHS) for both standard and Vulcano munitions, with the objective to modernize the four highly sophisticated air-defense and command frigates of the De Zeven Provinciën-class.
Damen Naval is constructing the four F126 class frigates in collaboration with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales. Damen Naval was appointed as the successful bidder in 2020 following a European tender process that spanned several years. The contract includes the delivery of initially four vessels between 2028 and 2031, with an agreed option for potential delivery of two additional vessels after 2032. All construction work will be executed entirely in Germany at shipyards located in Kiel, Hamburg, and Wolgast.
