History
The Baden-Württemberg-class frigates (F 125) were developed to meet the needs of the German Navy (Deutsche Marine) which required successors to the Bremen-class ships (F 122). Initially, these frigates were designed to perform identical tasks to their Cold War-era predecessors. Design work began in 1997, drawing on experience gained during the development of another series of ships, the Brandenburg-class frigates (F 122). However, it quickly became clear that, with the end of the Cold War, ships designed for anti-submarine warfare were no longer urgently needed. In the early 21st century, it was decided that the German fleet should take a more active role in stabilization and peacekeeping missions. The Type 125 frigates were envisioned as providing fire support for ground forces and serving as bases for special forces. Consequently, the original plans to equip these new frigates with anti-aircraft and anti-submarine systems were abandoned. Even Chancellor Angela Merkel referred to these vessels as “peace frigates.”
Photo: Michał Szafran, MILMAG
Construction of the first ship began at the end of 2011, but it did not enter service until 2019. The vessel was originally scheduled to enter service a year earlier, but a series of defects discovered during acceptance trials led to the rejection of the prototype frigate for operational use. Ultimately, the technical issues were resolved, and between 2020 and 2022, three more ships of this class were commissioned.
Nordrhein-Westfalen is the second in the series of Type 125 frigates. It entered service in June 2020, joining the 4th Frigate Squadron, which is part of the Einsatzflottille 2, based in Wilhelmshaven. The vessel is 148 meters long and can reach a maximum speed of 26 knots. Its crew consists of 120 officers and sailors, but it can be supplemented with an additional 70 personnel.
The armament consists of:
- Two Mk. 31 RAM CIWS,
- A single OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano gun, caliber 127 mm,
- Two quad launchers for RGM-84D/G Harpoon anti-ship missiles,
- Two 27 mm MLG-27 gun systems,
- Five OTO Hitrole NT 12.7 mm heavy machine gun systems.
Additionally, for asymmetrical operations, water cannons and searchlights can be utilized.
The ship is equipped with a Hensoldt TRS-4D/NR FF radar, featuring distinctive AESA-class planar antennas. Among its key sensors are two Rheinmetall MSP 600 electro-optical systems and the Diehl SIMONE system, which provides 360-degree observation around the ship using infrared detectors.
The Type 125 frigates feature a large hangar capable of accommodating and servicing two NH90 Sea Lion helicopters.
The November visit of the frigate Nordrhein-Westfalen to Gdańsk is related to its operations in the Baltic Sea and primarily serves to replenish supplies and provide the crew with proper rest.
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