News from 10.06.2021: The German Navy's new multi-purpose combat ship class 180 (MKS 180) officially becomes the frigate class 126 (F 126). This rightly spreads a feeling of "Now it's really starting" everywhere. Read now
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Realisation can begin - With the submission of three proposed solutions by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the selection of one of the proposed solutions by the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, the MKS 180 project has reached the next milestone. On this basis, the realisation phase can now begin with the design and construction of the ships.
The selection decision
The Integrated Project Team (IPT) MKS 180 developed three proposed solutions in the analysis phase that cover a wide range of debt fulfilment. In addition to a proposed solution with complete fulfilment of the requirements, two further proposed solutions with reduced fulfilment of the requirements were developed. By evaluating the degree of fulfilment and the significant differences in the expected life cycle costs, these enabled the Inspector General of the Bundeswehr to make a selection decision in favour of one of these proposed solutions.
As part of the ministerial evaluation on the basis of the transparent and well-founded cost estimate shown in the solution proposals, the analysis of the risks critical for the realisation as well as the fulfilment of the functional requirements and the cooperation potential, the decision for the selection of a solution proposal could now be brought about.
As part of a cost-benefit analysis, the proposed solution crystallised, which covers the entire capability profile of the FFF (capability gap and functional requirement). MKS 180 covers.
The decision in favour of this proposed solution MKS 180 cover a broad spectrum of capabilities to the required extent, including in particular combating enemy surface forces and asymmetric threats. The fulfilment of tasks is supported by the equipping of special mission modules. The operational requirements for MKS 180 provide for the following mission modules:
- Mission module Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) situation picture with a towed sonar to create the underwater situation picture,
- Detention mission module for the temporary detention of persons,
- Integration capability of a Mine Counter Measure (MCM) mission module for the individual combating of underwater warfare agents, and
- Integration capability of a mission module diving pressure chamber to support diving operations.
The ASW attitude picture mission module has a passive antenna and a towed body with an active antenna for acoustic localisation. Both components are installed under the flight deck of the MKS 180 and can be deployed via a rear towbar. The towed sonar enables both active and passive acoustic localisation. The system can be towed at maximum continuous speed. The data obtained is processed in the mission module and provided to the command and weapon deployment system (FüWES) via an interface as track data for the underwater situation picture. Thanks to the possibility of bistatic and multistatic operation, the mission module supports current submarine hunting procedures.
The detention mission module is expected to consist of four 20-foot standard ISO containers that will be deployed within the covered area of the ship. The containers contain detention rooms as well as a treatment room for the medical examination of detainees.
For the integration of the mission modules MKS 180 The ship is equipped with so-called flex deck areas, some of which are open on the upper deck and some of which are protected in the hull. A flex deck area, intended for modules such as the ASW situation picture, MCM and diver pressure chamber, is located below the flight deck at the stern of the ship and can be installed or converted from above via a hatch using an external crane during a port call. A further flex deck area amidships is used to integrate the custody mission module or other future mission modules. Modules can be changed using the ship's own multi-purpose container crane, meaning that the mission modules can be adapted within 48 hours, even outside the home port. This arrangement ensures the highest possible degree of flexibility and is also suitable for later module solutions (e.g. in areas such as command and control or humanitarian aid).
The ship's own 15-tonne class helicopters and an unmanned aerial system (UAS) can be brought on board for further adaptation to the respective mission. MKS 180 offers sufficient space to accommodate and operate an on-board helicopter and to park another helicopter of the same type if there is no UAS on board.
MKS 180 has its own 10-metre-long Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat (RHIB), which is permanently carried in boat niches with a lateral launching device on both sides of the ship. The "boarding" role determines the design of the rescue boats.
The rescue boat can be used to support special forces (SpezKr) and in other roles. Furthermore MKS 180 able to take larger rescue boats on board.
An on-board medical team, personnel for telecommunications and electronic reconnaissance or even special forces can be embarked as on-board components.
The information transmission system (InfoÜSys) is a modern, network-based system consisting of internal networks, systems and devices as well as external communication systems in the various frequency ranges. The ship's internal communication is largely IP-based, while external transmission types depend on the type of information transmitted and the applicable standards and regulations. The overall system is controlled via a communication management system.
A comprehensive network architecture is provided for information processing, which ensures IT security-compliant information management on board. Based on a protection requirements analysis, physically or logically separate networks (red/black; red/red) are realised for the various confidentiality levels to be implemented.
An information system to support the Bundeswehr (InfoSysUstgBw) will provide functions to support administrative, logistical and medical tasks, including telemedicine, SASPF, telemaintenance, office and IETD.
MKS 180 also has basic skills that are particularly suited to permanent operational duties. These include, above all, the ability to lead a maritime unit and the ability to defend themselves.
In addition to the mission modules and on-board components, the design is characterised by the intensive usability of the MKS 180 with two years in service with a small crew. In analogy to the concepts in the Class 125 frigate project, the term intensive utilisation is understood to mean the ability of the weapon system to remain in an operational area for two years without the need to carry out a major scheduled maintenance (docking) and to perform an average of 5,000 hours of sea service per year. Furthermore, an operating and maintenance period standard (BEPN) of 68 months is taken into account as a framework condition.
MKS 180 will have the following key parameters:
| Continuous top speed drive | > 26 kn |
| Electric low-speed drive | up to 11.5 kn |
| Propulsion | 2 Shaft system Cross-pusher system |
| Bunk capacity for | 100 persons Permanent crew for the performance of basic skills 80 persons Embarkation contingents |
| Reach | 4000 nm at 18 knots |
| Sea endurance | 21 days |
| Sea operating hours | 5000 hours / year |
| Operating time | 24 months |
| Operating period until the next major overhaul (BEPN) | 68 months |
| Travelling area | Worldwide journey |
| Ice class | E1 |
| Number of ship security areas | 3 |
| Useful life | 30 years |
One of the selection criteria was the combative power of the proposed solution: MKS 180 will have the following main effectors for engaging asymmetric targets at close range, air targets up to close range (AAW Layer 2), sea targets up to long range and underwater targets using on-board helicopters:
- AAW Layer 2 with the capability to accommodate at least 32 missiles type "ESSM Block 2" in two vertical launch systems type "VLS Mk 41"
- Eight heavy sea-target guided missiles
- Large 127 mm barrel gun with aerial aiming capability
- Barrel guns in 27 mm and 12.7 mm calibre
- Effectors against asymmetric threats (Long Range Acoustic Device, fire extinguishing monitors, searchlights).
With the realisation MKS 180 the Navy will in future have a capability carrier that makes the required capability contribution in full.
Outlook
The award procedure for the design, construction and delivery of four Multipurpose combat ships class 180 - The procurement of a further two units is planned as an option - will be carried out for the first time as a "negotiated procedure with a call for competition" in accordance with Section 11 (1) of the Public Procurement Ordinance for the Defence and Security Sectors (VSVgV).
Illustration of the award procedure (Source: BAAINBw)
The procurement procedure begins with the publication of the contract notice in the Official Journal of the European Union or on the federal government's procurement platform (bund.de). As part of a competitive tender, participants are given the opportunity to communicate their interest in submitting a tender and to demonstrate their suitability. The invitation to tender provides suitable bidders with all the information they need to carry out the tender and negotiation phase. MKS 180 describe the technical and functional aspects and describe the requirements to be fulfilled clearly and conclusively. At the same time, however, the service description will also be designed in such a way that room for negotiation can be utilised without having to change the evaluation matrix in the course of the procedure. Similarly, a draft contract is already drawn up with the invitation to tender as a basis for negotiation. The subsequent preparation of a complete and clear construction specification by the suitable bidders in the competition takes place in the form of bids in several iteration steps (Figure 2 shows an example of two iteration steps). When submitting these indicative bids, the bidders must comply with rejection criteria that allow the contracting authority to assess the expected quality of the final bid. This negotiation procedure aims to improve the quality of the bids and enables the exclusion of unsuitable bids and thus the corresponding bidders.
The procedure ends with the invitation to the remaining bidders to submit a final offer ("best and final offer - BAFO"). This forms the basis for the selection of the most economically advantageous tender. The evaluation criteria to be used for this will be published at the start of the award procedure with the invitation to tender.
Based on the risk analysis carried out and the inventory of existing projects, this approach contributes to fulfilling our responsibility for efficient and standardised equipment, procurement and utilisation management in the Bundeswehr.
Author: Rudolf Braun
LTRDir Rudolf Braun is Head of Division S3.3 at the BAAINBw.
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I think that our new naval vessels are far inferior to those from Russia. Russian frigates and destroyers are far better armed and faster than the European navies. We need strong, well-armed and even faster units above and below water, and our submarines should be able to launch missiles and be bigger and faster than before.
As far as our armoured forces are concerned, we need a stronger and faster tank than the current Russian tank, especially the
The number of BW tanks must be increased again to at least 4,000, and compulsory military service should be reintroduced to teach young people discipline and decency, and an equivalent programme for women.
It is unacceptable for our youth to become even more effeminate, undisciplined and not dutiful with the resources of the state, and the mobile phone and media craze must be abolished because it threatens to divide society. We need a more defensive democracy than the one we have had up to now.