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The Italy-based defence prime has been tapped to equip the German Navy’s new frigates with defence systems.
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Leonardo's OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Vulcano naval defence systems have been selected by prime contractor Damen to equip the German Navy’s four next-generation F126 frigates, with an option to extend the delivery to two additional vessels.
The deal also includes the provision of maintenance activities, the supply of simulators for crew training, and on-board activities for the integration and commissioning of the system.
Leonardo’s OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano naval gun is billed as a fully digitalised system capable of providing constant support to operators and the on-board Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning.
The defence system is designed to employ the standard ammunition 127mm and both variants of the company’s Vulcano 127mm ammunition — Guided Long Range (GLR) and Ballistic Extended Range (BER).
The gun can reportedly extend a naval unit’s defensive capability up to 85 kilometres while maintaining precision accuracy.
Hein van Ameijden, managing director of Damen Naval, noted the importance of Leonardo’s contribution to the project.
“The F126 project is going forward with full speed and in trustworthy cooperation with the German authorities,” van Ameijden said.
“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.”
Damen Naval, which is building the four F126 class frigates in co-operation with Blohm+Voss and Thales, was selected for the program in 2020 following a European tender process.
The contract includes the delivery of initially four ships between 2028 to 2031 with an option for two more ships after 2032.
The vessels are set to be constructed in Germany at shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast.
[Related: Leonardo Australia secures Part 145 approval]
