German Navy: 127-millimetre Vulcano combat ammunition before introduction

The procurement of the new 127-millimetre Vulcano ammunition for the German Navy has passed another milestone on the way to its introduction with its proof of function. This also brings the frigate 125 closer to full operational capability. The frigate "Rheinland-Pfalz" recently completed the precision proof of the new ammunition. Two defence technology units, WTD 71, responsible for ships, naval weapons, maritime technology and research, and WTD 91, responsible for weapons and ammunition, accompanied the functional test with their experts at the NATO test site Andoya in northern Norway.

127 mm ammunition. Photo: Diehl Defence

Vulcano is a family of ammunition with extended range and higher precision, developed by the Italian company Leonardo in collaboration with Diehl for the 76 mm and 127 mm naval guns and 155 mm land artillery systems: 70 kilometres for Vulcano 155 - 80 kilometres for Vulcano 127. It is available in two variants: guided (BER - Ballistic Extended Range) or redirected (GLR - Guided Long Range).

The GLR, which has now been qualified for the German Navy, is designed to guarantee high accuracy against stationary and moving targets in order to minimise collateral damage. According to the manufacturer, the accuracy is at a maximum range of 80 kilometres within a 5 metre radius. This is made possible by GPS guidance and an adjustment of the trajectory. In addition to the standard fuse with a "height of burst" sensor, special laser and infrared terminal approach sensors are also available. It should also be possible to programme the final approach angle of the projectile against the target at up to 90 degrees.

Sharp shot 127 mm combat ammunition. Screenshot: BAAINBw

Vulcano 127 GLR will be used on the German Navy's F125 frigates and the future F126. The ammunition type is already in use on the FREMM frigates of the Italian Navy. Despite its high calibre, the fully digitalised gun is characterised by its compactness and offers a rate of fire of forty rounds per minute.

Sharp shot at 30 kilometres - pinpoint accuracy in the Andoya fjord area. Screenshot: BAAINBw

Following the qualification firing and the granting of the "authorisation for use" (possibly this year), the procurement of the 13,000 rounds of combat ammunition can now be initiated in two batches, of which the delivery of the first 7,000 rounds should be completed by 2026. Until now, the F125 frigates only had practice ammunition for the new 127-millimetre gun introduced in the navy.

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