Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 (LW) Vulcano defence systems will be equipped on the German Navy’s F126 frigates. Credit: Leonardo.

Damen Naval has chosen Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 lightweight (LW) Vulcano defence systems for the German Navy’s F126 frigate programme.

The contract requires Leonardo to equip its OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano systems onto four F126 frigates. It also includes an option to provide the naval gun for two more vessels.

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Under this deal, Leonardo will provide simulators for training the crew, as well as support for the maintenance activities.

The company will also provide related onboard activities to incorporate and commission the Vulcano defence systems.

The contract follows a strategic partnership between the German Navy and Leonardo’s subsidiary in Germany.

The longstanding partnership has provided Vulcano systems for the German Navy’s other vessels, including Baden-Württemberg class frigates.

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Damen Naval managing director Hein van Ameijden said: “The F126 project is going forward with full speed and in trustworthy cooperation with the German authorities.

“Leonardo is the perfect partner for our mission to deliver at least four state-of-the-art frigates for the German Navy.

“F126 will set new standards regarding modularity and capabilities and Leonardo’s naval defence system is an important contribution.”

A complete digitised system, the OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun provides constant support to the combat management system for calculating shooting solutions during missions.

The 127/64 LW Vulcano gun is expected to enhance German Navy’s defensive capabilities by maintaining precision accuracy.

In 2020, Damen Naval was selected to build four F126 frigates under the German Navy’s F126 frigate programme. The vessels will be built in partnership with Blohm+Voss and Thales.

Delivery of the first frigate is anticipated in 2028 while all other three vessels are expected to be delivered by 2031.

Besides, the two additional frigates will be handed over to the German Navy after 2032.

Meanwhile, all the building works for F126 frigates will be carried out at Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast shipyards in Germany.

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