Back to news

November 18, 2020 | International, Naval

Damen and Thales to build the German MKS 180 frigate of the future

Hengelo, November 18, 2020 – Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding and Thales signed on November 17, 2020,the contract for the delivery and full integration of Thales's Mission and Combat System for the four MKS 180 class frigates contracted by the German Navy. The system will be designed by Damen and completely built by German shipyards, under Damen's project management.

Valued at €1.5B, the contract illustrates Thales's leading position in global naval integration. It will be executed by Thales's naval Centers of Excellence in Hengelo (the Netherlands), Kiel and Wilhelmshaven (Germany) in cooperation with a substantial number of German subcontractors.

Underpinning this contract is the proven cooperation of German and Dutch naval industries, including numerous joint opportunities for Damen and Thales in the Netherlands to innovate within naval shipbuilding projects, often with the participation of the Netherlands' Ministry of Defence. The project underscores Damen's and Thales's ambition to build further cooperation with shipyards and partnering industries in high-end European naval programmes.

Thales's Mission and Combat System includes the comprehensive Tacticos Combat Management System and the AWWS (Above Water Warfare System) Fire Control Cluster. The contract includes four ship systems, logistic services and multiple land-based test and training sites, as well as the option for one or two additional ships.

AWWS is a cutting-edge warfare suite that helps the ship crews to counter and neutralise complex saturation attacks by continuously analysing and optimising the tactical environment and deployment of resources.

AWWS will be combined with APAR* Bl2, the evolved version of Thales's proven AESA* multifunction radar. In 2019, Thales signed an AWWS development contract for the new M-frigates for the Belgian and Dutch Navies.

In the past years, Thales has been awarded several large contracts by European NATO navies, thanks to innovative solutions and its proven reliability as an industrial partner. These contracts have made Thales the de facto naval combat system partner of NATO.

The first ship of the MKS 180 class will be operational in 2028. The entire programme will run for over ten years.

“Winning such a substantial contract within the strict framework of an objective scoring system reinforces our global leading position in high-end naval integration. Thanks to our innovative capabilities, the German Navy will be able to execute both current and future tasks whilst substantially contributing to stability in the operational theatres all over the world.” Gerben Edelijn, CEO of Thales Netherlands.

“As a partner in the MKS 180 programme, Thales Deutschland not only contributes to a high German value-added share, but also brings many years of experience in European cooperation and proven systems expertise. This programme will create new, high-quality jobs in Germany, within an exemplary framework of European defence cooperation. We will also contribute to maintaining the German Navy's operational capability at the highest level within the alliance,” Dr. Christoph Hoppe, CEO of Thales Deutschland.

“We are very honoured by this notification which further solidifies our long-standing cooperation with the German Navy and Damen. We sincerely thank our customers for their continued trust. This huge contract anchors our position as global leader in high-end naval systems integration. The German Navy will benefit from cutting-edge technological systems thanks to the diversity of talents at Thales”. Patrice Caine, Chairman and CEO of Thales.

* APAR: Active Phased Array Radar

* AESA: Active Electronically Scanned Array

Faiza Zaroual
Media Relations and Social Media, Land & Naval Defence, Thales Group
faiza.zaroual@thalesgroup.com
Press office : +33(0)1 57 77 86 26
+33 (0)7 81 48 80 41
@ThalesDefence

View source version on Thales Group: https://thales-group.prezly.com/damen-and-thales-to-build-the-german-mks-180-frigate-of-the-future?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_term=&utm_content=&utm_campaign=TCKM

On the same subject

  • Defense firm Leidos raises annual revenue outlook on weapons demand

    August 1, 2023 | International, Aerospace, Security, Other Defence

    Defense firm Leidos raises annual revenue outlook on weapons demand

    Leidos Holdings Inc on Tuesday raised its full-year revenue forecast as the defense contractor benefited from resilient weapons demand.

  • Innovation Road Show: US Navy Seeks Acquisition Solutions from Small Businesses

    March 26, 2019 | International, Naval

    Innovation Road Show: US Navy Seeks Acquisition Solutions from Small Businesses

    By Warren Duffie Jr., Office of Naval Research Public Affairs ARLINGTON, Va. (NNS) -- In an effort to establish new connections with innovative small businesses and research companies—and reach these players where they live and work—the U.S. Navy will host a trio of outreach events on April 8-11 in Lowell, Massachusetts. The Navy will hold the events through its Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, both located at the Office of Naval Research. SBIR provides the Navy with groundbreaking technology created by small firms—while STTR transitions products developed by both small businesses and research institutions to the Navy and Marine Corps. This year's events will spotlight New England's regional technology corridor, known for its prominent academic institutions, research centers, laboratories and science- and defense-focused companies. “Outreach events like these help foster collaboration to enhance the innovation network and pipeline, and accelerate the delivery of needed technologies to the Navy and Marine Corps,” said SBIR Director Bob Smith. “It's part of a new naval effort to deliver capabilities to warfighters faster by expanding relationships with regional technology hubs. This year, New England is the first stop.” The three events are: Partnering Summit—This is a setting where the naval acquisition community, government, industry and research organizations can meet to discuss naval priorities, share best practices and learn about partnership opportunities with SBIR and STTR. Monday, April 8, and Tuesday, April 9, at the UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center. Learn more at https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/SBIRSTTR. Navy Forum for SBIR/STTR Transition (FST)—FST is an annual innovation marketplace matching Navy needs with small business-technology solutions. Attendees can see 133 exhibits from 107 vendors; engage in one-on-one meetings; listen to Tech Talks; and sit in on sessions hosted by congressional and Department of Defense leaders. Wednesday, April 10, and Thursday, April 11, at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. Learn more at https://navyfst.com/. Accelerated Delivery and Acquisition of Prototype Technologies (ADAPT) Workshop—ADAPT is a new approach to match non-traditional small businesses with naval needs and quick research-and-development funding. This half-day workshop will feature technology briefs on pre-released areas of interest from a Navy shipyard; discussion about the proposal process and contracting; and opportunities for face-to-face conversations with subject matter experts. Wednesday, April 10, from 8 a.m. to noon. UMass Lowell Inn & Conference Center. Learn more at https://www.onlineregistrationcenter.com/ADAPT. https://www.navy.mil/submit/display.asp?story_id=108981

  • Défense: la France veut son «planeur hypersonique»

    January 28, 2019 | International, Aerospace

    Défense: la France veut son «planeur hypersonique»

    Jean-Dominique Merchet La ministre des Armées a annoncé le lancement d'un « démonstrateur », qui s'inscrit dans la relance de la course aux armements. Florence Parly a annoncé le 21 janvier avoir notifié un contrat à ArianeGroup pour le lancement d'un démonstrateur de « planeur hypersonique » qui devrait effectuer son premier vol d'ici à la fin 2021. Ces systèmes, dont s'équipent les grandes puissances nucléaires, permettent d'échapper aux défenses antimissiles et de réaliser des frappes très précises. Beaucoup d'experts estiment qu'ils ont un rôle « déstabilisateur » des équilibres stratégiques. Une simple phrase glissée au milieu d'un long discours de vœux. C'est ainsi que la ministre des Armées Florence Parly a annoncé le lancement d'un « planeur hypersonique », un projet d'importance stratégique. Ce « démonstrateur », qui devrait voler d'ici « à la fin 2021 », s'inscrit dans la relance actuelle de la course aux armements stratégiques entre les grandes puissances. Cette annonce a provoqué la surprise dans les milieux spécialisés et le ministère des Armées est réticent à fournir publiquement beaucoup plus de détails. Toutefois, plusieurs experts et proches du dossier, tenus à l'anonymat, se sont confiés à l'Opinion et permettent de mesurer l'importance de ce projet. Article complet: https://www.lopinion.fr/edition/international/defense-france-veut-planeur-hypersonique-175912

All news