Berlin – The German Bundestag’s budget committee has authorized up to 7.8 billion euros to pursue an alternative to the troubled Frigate 126 (F126) naval procurement program, according to a recent announcement. The funding will be drawn from a special defense fund and the core federal budget between 2026 and 2033.
An initial 724.7 million euros will be available from the special fund in 2026, with a further 878.2 million euros earmarked as commitment authorization for 2027. From 2028 onward, 6.2 billion euros in commitment authorizations will be allocated from the core budget, intended for expenditure through 2033.
However, the funds remain blocked pending a release by the budget committee, mirroring existing blocks on the original F126 procurement within both the 2026 budget and the special fund – a continuation of a decision made regarding the 2025 federal budget.
The move provides government defense politicians with options, including potential cancellation of the F126 project if transfer from Damen to Naval Vessels Lemwerder (NVL) proves impossible, simultaneous procurement of alternative vessels, or continuation of the F126 construction under NVL, possibly with interim solutions. The MEKO-200 design from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is currently the only identified alternative.
CDU defense politician Bastian Ernst stated the decision signals a potential shift “to focus on a MEKO solution instead of the F126,” expressing confidence that MEKO procurement would not compromise required capabilities.
The committee approved the Defense Ministry’s 2026 individual plan and associated economic plan following a discussion with Federal Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD), with votes from the governing coalition outweighing opposition from the AfD, Alliance 90/The Greens, and The Left. Amendments proposed by the opposition were unsuccessful.
The approval underscores the urgency to acquire new naval vessels, with negotiations between Damen, the Federal Ministry of Defence (BMVg), and NVL expected to determine the ultimate path forward in the coming months.
