Frigate "Sachsen" again with 32 teeth in its teeth

The "Sachsen" has a functioning vertical launcher again.

The work was carried out at the Wilhelmshaven naval arsenal during the frigate's scheduled laytime. The installation of a new VLS had become necessary because the system was destroyed in an ammunition accident in June 2018. At the time, a missile had become stuck and burnt down during firing, a so-called "hangfire". Fortunately, there were only minor injuries and the crew's incredible efforts to bring the ship home safely speak for themselves.

The frigate SACHSEN fires a missile of the type SM 2 ( Standard Missile 2 ). Photo: German Navy

Why did it take so long again, some wondered, even the BILD newspaper seemed to be interested. Simple answer: something like this is only built if a ship is also designed, it is simply not on the shelf and has to be made from scratch. You have to have the capacity to do that first, so it takes time!

The manufacturer Lockheed Martin also installed a more up-to-date version of the launcher. The procurement was carried out as a government purchase under the Foreign Military Sales procedure. According to the BMVg, the new VLS Mk41 launcher with 32 bays enables the F124 Sachsen frigate to fire Standard Missile 2 (SM-2) and Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) missiles. One bay can hold four ESSMs or one SM-2.