Rheinmetall will modernize the German Navy’s Bayern frigate under a several-hundred-million-euro service-life extension contract designed to keep the vessel operational through at least 2035. Work at the company’s Neue Jadewerft facility in Wilhelmshaven is expected to run until 2029. The upgrade covers major elements of the ship’s combat and propulsion architecture, including installation of a new combat management system, modernization of its radar suite, and improvements to engineering, propulsion, and drive equipment. Rheinmetall will also strengthen Bayern’s anti-submarine warfare capabilities, improving its ability to conduct future maritime missions. Bayern entered service in 1996 as the third Brandenburg-class F123 frigate. Measuring 138.8 meters and displacing approximately 4,900 tons, the vessel can achieve speeds of up to 29 knots. The modernization comes as Germany seeks to preserve the effectiveness of existing naval assets while transitioning toward newer-generation frigates and other advanced maritime capabilities.
