Sachsen-class (F124)
Summary
| Origin country | 🇩🇪 Germany |
| Category | Frigate |
| Subtype | Air defense guided-missile frigate |
| Manufacturer | Blohm + Voss, Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft, Nordseewerke |
| Year commissioned | 2003 |
| Approx. unit cost | $750 million |
| Units | F219 SACHSEN, F220 HAMBURG, F221 HESSEN |
| Current operators | 🇩🇪 Germany |
Description
The F124 Sachsen class is the German Navy's contemporary series of air-defense frigates, replacing the older Lütjens class destroyers and carrying on the legacy from the legacy of the Brandenburg class frigates with advanced stealth features. Contracted by the German government in June 1996, the program for three ships was one of the German Navy's most expensive shipbuilding endeavors, totaled at €2.1 billion.
The Sachsen-class frigates incorporate stealth technology to minimize radar and acoustic detection, and are equipped with sophisticated radar systems including the multifunction APAR and long-range SMART-L radar. These radars enable the detection of stealth aircraft and missiles, and they integrate an anti-air warfare system which is also utilized by the Dutch De Zeven Provinciën class frigates.
The frigates are powered by a Combined Diesel or Gas (CODAG) propulsion system. The propulsion system, which combines General Electric gas turbines and MTU diesel engines, allows a top speed of 29 knots and a cruising range of 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots using only diesel power. The ships also have advanced power generation capabilities with four diesel generators.
The Sachsen-class frigates are heavily armed, primed for the anti-air warfare role with a 32-cell Mk 41 Mod 10 vertical launching system for SM-2 Block IIIA missiles and Evolved Sea Sparrow missiles, alongside Rolling Airframe Missile launchers for point-defense. They possess Harpoon anti-ship missile launchers, MU90 Impact torpedoes for anti-submarine warfare, a variety of guns for defense against various threats, and a flight deck capable of accommodating two helicopters up to 15 tons in weight.
Extensively sensor-equipped, the frigates boast the SMART-L and APAR radar systems for long-range surveillance and precision target tracking. Modernization efforts include command system updates and the implementation of a new AESA radar system, TRS-4D/LR ROT, to be completed by 2028 for enhanced long-range tracking capabilities including for ballistic missile defense.
Operational history of the Sachsens includes successful missile tests off the coast of California and consistent integration in NATO maritime forces and operations alongside American carrier groups, demonstrating their inter-operability with other nations' naval assets. The class has served prominently in various maritime exercises, including joint operations with the South African Navy.
While rumors once indicated potential exports of Sachsen-class vessels to Israel in 2013, Israel eventually opted for the distinctly smaller Sa'ar 6-class corvettes procured from German shipyards in 2015.
Technical specifications
| Sachsen | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 5690 tons |
| Range | 7000 km at 18 knots |
| Crew | 243 members |
| Width | 17.44 m (57.2 ft) |
| Length | 143.0 m (469.2 ft) |
| Air Park | 2 Sea Lynx Mk 88A or 2 NH90 helicopters |
| Propulsion | 1 General Electric LM 2500 gas turbine with a power of 31,960 hp - 2 propellers |
| Thrust | 4000 hp |
| Armament | 1 Mk.41 VLS launcher (32 missiles) + 8 UGM-84 (IV 2) + 2 RAM Mk.49 launchers + 1 76mm OTO-Melara Compact gun + 2 MLG 27 27mm guns + 6 T/ASM Mk.32 + 2 Lynx / NH-90 helicopters |
| Maximum speed | 29 knots |