Dutch shipbuilder Damen Naval has chosen German technology group Rheinmetall to deliver eight MLG27-4.0 defence systems for the F126 frigates that the shipyard is constructing for the German Navy.
Each frigate will be fitted with two MLG27-4.0 systems.
Go deeper with GlobalData
Discover B2B Marketing That Performs
Combine business intelligence and editorial excellence to reach engaged professionals across 36 leading media platforms.
The contract also comes with an option for additional MLG27-4.0 systems for two more vessels.
A light naval gun, the 27mm cal. MLG27 4.0 is a member of the new SeaSnake RCWS family of products manufactured by Rheinmetall Waffe Munition of Unterlüß, Germany, a subsidiary of Rheinmetall.
The core aspect of the remotely controlled MLG27 4.0 is the BK-27M revolver gun.
The predecessor of the latest MLG27 4.0 has been serving as secondary armament on the present F125 frigates of Germany.
US Tariffs are shifting - will you react or anticipate?
Don’t let policy changes catch you off guard. Stay proactive with real-time data and expert analysis.
By GlobalDataAs against the earlier models, the next-generation MLG27-4.0 defence system comes with a host of technological innovations.
It features daylight cameras, infrared sensors and laser rangefinders, and can be integrated into an existing shipboard command system.
This 27mm cal. low weight revolver gun is capable of operating in single-shot mode, in adjustable bursts, or even at a sustained rate fire of up to 1,700 rounds in a minute.
Given its adjustable grid-firing capability, along with an integrated simultaneous tracker, the MLG27-4.0 weapon system is claimed to serve as a powerful armament for modern frigates, such as the F126 class.
Damen Naval managing director Hein van Ameijden said: “We are extremely pleased to join forces with Rheinmetall on the F126 project for the German Navy. The broad range of capabilities make their MLG27-4.0 weapon system the right choice for the F126 frigates.”
Damen Naval is serving as the prime contractor for construction of the German Navy’s new F126 frigate generation. The four ships will be constructed in Wolgast, Kiel and Hamburg, with the first frigate scheduled for delivered in 2028.
The contract awarded to Damen by Germany’s Federal Office for Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) includes an option for two more frigates.
In October 2021, Damen Naval selected OSI Maritime Systems (OSI) to deliver a full navigation suite for the German Navy’s F126 programme.
