The ship design envisages a displacement of more than 6,000 tonnes and a hull length of up to 140 meters. Vessels of this type are intended to be capable of engaging air, subsurface, surface, and land targets. According to Rheinmetall, North America is among the potential export markets being considered.
Artist’s impression of the future GMF 140 frigate / Image: Rheinmetall
Such a declaration is hardly accidental given the proposed weapons and equipment fit. Rheinmetall states that the frigates are to be equipped with vertical launch systems providing 64 launch cells, as well as radars and the AEGIS combat system integrated with Lockheed Martin’s CMS 330. Gun armament is to include a 127 mm automatic naval gun. The designers also indicate that optional equipment could include laser weapon systems, various types of anti-ship missiles, torpedo launchers, and other necessary NATO-standard weapons and systems.
The focus on North America may be linked to the ongoing debate in Washington over accelerating the expansion of the US Navy. To this end, President Donald Trump’s administration has been advocating opening the way for warships to be ordered from shipyards in allied countries. The Republic of Korea and Japan are among the main potential partners, but Germany may also be seeking to capture a share of the expected market.