Posted on May 26, 2025
In short:
German defence company Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is bidding for a $10 billion Australian frigate contract against a rival bid from Japan.
TKMS has talked up its record of exporting its MEKO warships to 16 navies worldwide, and its head of Operating Unit Surface Vessels has visited Australia to brief officials.
What’s next?
Government sources have told the ABC a decision on the winning design will be made before Christmas.
A German defence company pushing for a lucrative Australian frigate contract is pitching its “proven” global record on naval shipbuilding as it competes against a rival bid from Japan that is being heavily backed by Tokyo.
Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which helped design and integrate Australia’s soon-to-be-retired ANZAC class fleet, is now wanting to build the Navy’s new $10 billion General Purpose Frigates (GPF) slated to begin arriving from 2029.
Last year the Albanese government announced warship designs from Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) and Germany’s TKMS had been down-selected ahead of other offerings from South Korea and Spain for the massive program.
Under the GPF program, TKMS is proposing building its MEKO A-200 frigate operated by Egypt, while MHI is pitching its upgraded Mogami frigate, known as the 06FFM, which will soon enter service with Japan’s Maritime Self Defence Force.
A second “Australianised” version of the MEKO 200 which utilises SAAB’s 9LV combat management system is also being evaluated and is believed to be highly favoured by Defence because of its easy integration with the Australian fleet.
Government sources have told the ABC a decision on the winning design will be made before Christmas, with a contract to be signed by March next year to begin overseas construction of the first three frigates.
After the first three frigates are constructed in either Germany or Japan, the Australian government wants to relocate production for the next eight warships to the Henderson shipyard outside Perth during the 2030s.
In its first public comments since being shortlisted by Defence last November, Germany’s TKMS has talked up its record of exporting its MEKO family of warships to 16 different navies worldwide, including NATO nations.
This week the head of Operating Unit Surface Vessels at TKMS, Oliver Juckenhöfel, is visiting Australia to brief senior defence and government officials about the company’s bid for the lucrative frigate project known as SEA3000.
“There is no better example of our track record than the ANZAC Frigate Program, being part of the MEKO 200 family of frigates,” Dr Juckenhöfel told a gathering at Germany’s embassy in Canberra.
“The ships were built in Australia by Tenix Defence (now BAE Systems), under a technology transfer agreement. TKMS provided key design expertise, system integration support, and ongoing upgrade solutions for the class.
“Today, the ANZAC remains the gold standard for Australian naval shipbuilding — a project delivered not just on time and on budget, but with record levels of Australian industry content.”
Prior to arriving in Canberra, Dr Juckenhöfel also visited New Zealand which is looking to eventually replace its own smaller ANZAC class fleet but is not scheduled to do so until after Australia.
“We are confident that the MEKO A-200 will serve not only as a powerful, reliable ship but also as a long-term investment in the future of the Australian Navy and the continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise,” Dr Juckenhöfel added.
Last year Japan’s Defence Chief told the ABC his country was willing to prioritise delivery of its new and upgraded Mogami warships ahead of his own navy, if the cutting-edge design is selected for a $10 billion contract.
