Work starts on German frigate

KOBLENZ, Germany, July 6 (UPI) -- German shipbuilder Bloom + Voss has started production of the first Class 125 frigate for the German navy.

The German navy plans to procure four Class 125 Frigates, a completely new and innovative type of vessel designed for intensive use and long-endurance periods at sea for up to two years without scheduled yard maintenance periods.

The F125 is equipped with state-of-the-art sensors and effectors that support stabilization tasks and provide the capabilities to detect, identify and counter asymmetric threats. Equipment includes a TRS-3D/NR multifunctional radar as well as a electro-optical component to ensure the continuous surveillance, detection and tracking of targets at short and very short range.

The German Defense Procurement Agency said delivery of the first vessel, the Baden-Württemberg, is scheduled for March 2016. The remaining three vessels will follow in 11-month intervals so that the last vessel will undergo final acceptance trials and be handed over to the navy in December 2018.

Source: United Press International (UPI).
Link: http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2011/07/06/Work-starts-on-German-frigate/UPI-69851309959523/.