Germany has chosen Raytheon’s SPY-6(V)1 radar for its future F127 frigate programme under a proposed Foreign Military Sales agreement with the U.S. Navy, according to the company.
The deal would make Germany the first international customer for the SPY-6 family of radars.
Raytheon, part of RTX, stated that the contract will include integration support and technical services to adapt the radar to the F127’s design. The system will equip eight ships in the class, providing enhanced air and missile defence capability for the German Navy.
The SPY-6(V)1 variant features four radar array faces, each with 37 radar modular assemblies, delivering continuous 360-degree situational awareness. The radar forms part of the U.S. Navy’s SPY-6 family, which is being fitted across seven ship classes and described by the company as a major improvement in fleet sensor capability.
“Germany’s selection of SPY-6 reaffirms the global confidence in the radar’s advanced capabilities and its critical role in enhancing naval defence,” said Barbara Borgonovi, President of Naval Power at Raytheon.
“Integrating the radar on F127 frigates will provide the German Navy with a multi-mission solution that enables faster and more informed decision-making at sea.”
Raytheon stated that SPY-6 is its most advanced and extensively tested maritime radar, developed and produced at the company’s Radar Development Facility in Andover, Massachusetts.
The 30,000-square-foot site designs and manufactures multiple radar systems for U.S. and allied forces and operates on a vertically integrated, automated production model with continuous testing and integration.
A commitment to the European ideal.
The most recent news is that, amongst ongoing issues involving their other frigate programme, the F126, the intended fleet size for the F127 may be increased to eight frigates.
It looks to be a nice design. We know the RN want at minimum of 72 Mk41 cells (compared to 64 on the German ship), but the F127 does prioritise space, storage and accommodation to enable the >24 month deployment some German ships undergo. As presently planned, the Bundesmarine will have a surface escort fleet of 28 warships (8 destroyers, 6 frigates, 4 patrol frigates and 10 corvettes).
I didn’t think Germany had any destroyers ?
They don’t technically. The F127, which I (and likely also the RN) would refer as a destroyer, is called a frigate by the Bundesmarine.
SPY-6(V)1 is the Full-size array that the Flight III Arleigh Burkes are getting.
Type 83 in the queue
See you back here same day in 2040?
Have they decided on a propulsion system and GTs?
Now looking and displacing the same as 1900’s Pre Dreadnoughts! What names will the Germans call them? Admiral class or better their Captain class.