Germany Showcases ‘Proven’ Naval Shipbuilding Record in Bid for Australia’s $10 Billion Frigate Program
German defence giant Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) is touting its extensive global experience in naval shipbuilding as it competes with Japan for a $10 billion contract to build Australia’s next fleet of General Purpose Frigates (GPFs).
The Albanese government last year shortlisted designs from TKMS and Japan’s Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) for the major SEA3000 program, ahead of bids from South Korea and Spain. A final decision on the winning design is expected before Christmas, with a contract to be signed by March 2026. Construction of the first three frigates will begin overseas—either in Germany or Japan—with plans to shift production to the Henderson shipyard in Western Australia for the remaining eight vessels in the 2030s.
TKMS is proposing its MEKO A-200 frigate, a design already in service with Egypt and several other navies. MHI is offering its Mogami-class 30FFM, a modern frigate soon entering service with Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force. A variant of the MEKO 200, fitted with the SAAB 9LV combat management system, is also under consideration and is believed to be favoured for its compatibility with Australia’s existing naval infrastructure.
In his first public remarks since TKMS was shortlisted, Dr Oliver Juckenhöfel, Head of Operating Unit Surface Vessels at TKMS, visited Australia to brief defence officials and promote the German proposal. Speaking at the German embassy in Canberra, Dr Juckenhöfel highlighted the success of the ANZAC-class frigate program, part of the MEKO 200 family and built in Australia in the 1990s under a technology transfer deal.
“There is no better example of our track record than the ANZAC Frigate Program,” he said. “The ships were built in Australia by Tenix Defence under a technology transfer agreement. TKMS provided key design expertise, system integration support, and ongoing upgrades.”
He described the ANZAC-class as the “gold standard” for Australian naval shipbuilding, noting the program was delivered “on time and on budget” with significant Australian industry involvement.
Dr Juckenhöfel also made a stop in New Zealand, which operates a smaller fleet of ANZAC-class vessels and is expected to consider replacement options after Australia. He emphasised the MEKO A-200’s value as a reliable long-term investment in both naval capability and local shipbuilding.
“We are confident that the MEKO A-200 will serve not only as a powerful, reliable ship but also as a long-term investment in the future of the Australian Navy and the continuous naval shipbuilding and sustainment enterprise,” he added.
Meanwhile, Japan is actively campaigning for its Mogami-class frigates, with its Defence Minister previously stating that Japan is willing to prioritise delivery of the ships for Australia—even ahead of its own naval requirements—if selected.
The high-stakes competition is part of Australia’s broader defence capability expansion, as it seeks to modernise its fleet amid rising regional tensions.
