German defense company Rheinmetall has secured a contract worth several hundred million euros to modernize the German Navy’s F123-class frigate Bayern, extending the vessel’s operational service life until at least 2035 while enhancing its capabilities to meet evolving operational requirements.
The contract, awarded at the end of the second quarter of 2026, will see modernization work carried out at Rheinmetall’s Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven through 2029.
The upgrade package includes the replacement of the frigate’s Combat Management System (CMS), modernization of its radar sensor suite, and overhaul of critical shipboard engineering systems. Rheinmetall will also refurbish the vessel’s propulsion and drive systems while upgrading key anti-submarine warfare (ASW) capabilities to improve operational effectiveness.
The modernization is intended to bring the nearly three-decade-old frigate up to current technological standards, ensuring it remains capable of supporting future naval missions.
According to Rheinmetall, the contract highlights the growing importance of lifecycle support, maintenance and modernization services within its Naval Systems division, which focuses on sustaining the operational readiness of complex naval platforms over extended service lives.
“We are now fully focused on delivering the project on schedule,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division.
He noted that the Neue Jadewerft shipyard has extensive experience in maintaining and modernizing naval vessels, particularly frigates, as well as integrating complex maritime systems.
“The combination of this expertise and our close cooperation with all project partners and our customer provides the foundation for delivering the ship to the German Navy on time and to the required quality standards,” Wagner said.
The Bayern, which entered service with the German Navy in 1996, is currently berthed at the Neue Jadewerft facility, where major components are being removed as part of the initial phase of the modernization. Once this stage is complete, the vessel will be transferred to the shipyard’s dry dock for the next phase of the upgrade program.
The F123-class frigates remain a key component of Germany’s naval fleet, and the modernization program is expected to preserve their operational relevance while supporting the German Navy’s long-term readiness and NATO commitments.