The cancellation of the F126 frigate project was accepted by the Bundestag. Thomas Röwekamp, the chairman of the Bundestag’s Defence Committee (CDU), stated that he views the decision as correct. He told the “Rheinische Post” that Germany’s navy cannot afford a lengthy delay on a critical defense project given the current security situation. Röwekamp emphasized that the contractor bears clear responsibility for the project’s significant delays and rising costs, and he expects that claims for damages will be investigated and pursued.
Röwekamp further stressed the urgent need for soldiers to gain necessary maritime capabilities quickly and reliably. He noted that even considering the limitations of US maritime defense capabilities, rapid capacity is required. Looking at potential replacements, the committee chairman mentioned that the MEKO system is a proven and capable ship concept that offers a realistic chance to close the navy’s capability gaps much faster and without military restrictions.
Andreas Schwarz, an SPD parliamentary budget politician responsible for defence, also welcomed the decision to terminate the frigate project. Speaking to the “Rheinische Post”, he said that the Minister’s decision was “comprehensible, logical, and a clear response to price inflation in the defence sector.” Schwarz added that the cost escalation and timetable shifts are unacceptable for the troops and the taxpayer, urging that every measure be taken to ensure that the NATO requirements for the sea are met by 2029.
