WILHELMSHAVEN, Germany — Rheinmetall has secured a mid-three-digit million euro contract to modernize the German Navy's F123-class frigate Bayern, extending the vessel's operational service life until at least 2035 while upgrading its systems to meet current operational requirements.
The agreement was finalized at the end of the second quarter of 2026. The modernization work will be carried out at Rheinmetall's Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven and is scheduled to continue through 2029.
Comprehensive Service-Life Extension
Commissioned in 1996, Bayern is a 143-meter frigate belonging to the Brandenburg-class (F123), a class of four ships primarily designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW). The modernization program is intended to keep the frigate operationally ready while updating its systems to current technological standards.
The vessel is currently berthed at the Neue Jadewerft facility, where crews are removing major components in preparation for the next phase of the project. After this stage is completed, the ship will be transferred to the shipyard's dry dock for the main modernization work.
Key Systems to Be Upgraded
The overhaul will include upgrades across several major areas of the frigate.
The ship's Combat Management System (CMS) will be completely replaced, while the radar sensor suite will be modernized to support current operational requirements.
Essential shipboard engineering systems will also undergo refurbishment, including the vessel's propulsion and drive systems, to improve long-term reliability and support continued service.
In addition, Rheinmetall will upgrade selected anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities, enhancing the frigate's effectiveness in future deployments.
Rheinmetall Highlights Naval Modernization Expertise
Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall's Naval Systems division, said the company is focused on delivering the modernization project on schedule.
"We are now fully focused on delivering the project on schedule. The Neue Jadewerft shipyard has many years of experience in the modernization and maintenance of naval vessels—particularly frigates—and possesses extensive expertise in integrating complex maritime systems. Combined with our close cooperation with all project partners and our customer, these capabilities provide the foundation for delivering the ship to the German Navy on time and to the required quality standards."
Strengthening Rheinmetall's Naval Services Business
Rheinmetall said the contract demonstrates the importance of its service business within the Naval Systems division. The company noted that long-term maintenance, modernization and lifecycle support remain core activities that help maintain the operational readiness of naval platforms over many years.
The contract also provides a significant addition to Rheinmetall's order book. It follows the German government's cancellation of the delayed F126 frigate program, a project Rheinmetall had expected to manage.
Supporting Future German Navy Operations
The F123-class frigates continue to serve as part of the German Navy's surface fleet. The service-life extension program for Bayern is designed to ensure the vessel remains operational through at least 2035, with upgraded combat, engineering, sensor and anti-submarine warfare systems that meet current operational requirements.
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