Under the agreement, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will modernise the ship platform, while Thales will provide the combat system

Thales and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems are joining forces to cooperate on the comprehensive modernisation (mid-life upgrade) of four Hellenic Navy MEKO 200 HN frigates. According to a joint press release, the parties signed an agreement on 12 December last year to form a consortium, which will be based in Hengelo, in the Netherlands.

The two companies were the original equipment manufacturers of the frigates, which have been in service with the Hellenic Navy since the mid-1990s.

Under the agreement, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will modernise the ship’s platform. The company will supply the design documents and communication systems as a system house. To this end, a subcontract will be awarded to Hagenuk Marinekommunikation, a subsidiary of ATLAS ELEKTRONIK.

On the other hand, Thales will provide the combat system based on the combat management system TACTICOS for the MEKO 200 HN frigates. The company will also function as a ‘spokesperson’ of the consortium.

Oliver Burkhard, CEO of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems said: “With the joint contract for the modernisation of the frigates, we are once again a strong partner for the Hellenic Navy. On the one hand, this further strengthens our order book and, on the other, underlines our role and strength as a maritime powerhouse that combines electronics, surface and underwater shipbuilding under one roof. A further milestone on our road to independence of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.”

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems will subcontract the ship platform modifications to a local Greek shipyard. The consortium will be the exclusive contact for the Hellenic Navy. The order is expected to be delivered in 2024.