In March, the German Ministry of Defense announced its intention to order four MEKO A-200 DEU frigates from TKMS to address potential shortcomings in the MKS 180 program (Mehrzweckkampfschiff 180 or F126 class), for which it had entrusted project management to the Dutch firm Damen in 2020. This initiative is particularly ambitious, aiming to enhance the capabilities of the German Navy.

Rheinmetall has requested €12 billion to construct six versatile F126 frigates for the German Navy.