Much has been written in the specialised press about the two frigate classes F126 and F127, which are so urgently awaited by the navy. A viable path has apparently now been found for F126. In the case of F127, we read of many preliminary contracts that have already been concluded with transatlantic partners for sensors, missiles and deployment systems.

You don't read much about the discussions in the background. There is an elephant in the room. F126, the largest frigate in the world to date with a planned 10,000 tonnes.