€200 Million for Four Radar/IFF Shipsets and Shore Installation

Hensoldt and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) are to supply new radars to modernise the sensor capabilities of the German Navy’s F124 air defence frigates, the companies announced on 24 August.

BAAINBw, the Bundeswehr procurement arm, has placed an order valued at approx. €200 million to cover delivery and installation of four radar/IFF systems. This will overcome the obsolescence of the current radar fit and paves the way for development of sovereign capability in ballistic missile defence (BMD). The contract includes a shore facility that is a fully functional copy of the ship’s radars, not only to allow for operator and technician training, but also allowing further developments to be tested on land prior to onboard installation.

To this end, Hensoldt has entered into a strategic cooperation in the field of BMD-capable wide-range S-band radars with IAI subsidiary ELTA Systems Ltd. This offers the German customer the combination of a national partner for certification and long-term support, with current systems that have been tried and tested in the field.

Earlier, a contract for modernisation of land-based air surveillance in the HADR NF programme, also based on cooperation with ELTA, was awarded to Hensoldt. The radars used in both projects are largely identical in construction and thus also offer the customer advantages in terms of logistical supply and, thus, the long-term operation of the systems. The possibility for cross-fertilisation also improves cost efficiency.