Naval Systems

Sachsen class / F124 frigate

The Sachsen class / F124 frigate is Germany's three-ship air-defense frigate class, built as a high-end escort for task-group protection and maritime security. Bundeswehr descriptions emphasize its SMART-L long-range radar, APAR fire-control radar, Mk41 vertical launch system for SM-2 and ESSM, Harpoon anti-ship missiles, RAM point defense, and 76 mm gun armament.

Shipboard Missiles

The Sachsen class centers on layered air defense, with a vertical launcher for longer-range interceptors and separate launcher sets for close-in defense and anti-surface fire.

Launched itemItem typeLaunch evidence
Standard Missile-2 (SM-2MR), Medium-range shipboard surface-to-air missile, MunitionsStandard Missile-2 (SM-2MR)Area-air-defense missile

Bundeswehr identifies the F124's Mk41 VLS as able to fire SM-2 missiles, giving the class its long-range air-defense layer.

Sources: Fregatten der Sachsen-Klasse | Bundeswehr

Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile, Ship self-defense missile, MunitionsEvolved Sea Sparrow MissilePoint-defense missile

Bundeswehr says the same Mk41 VLS also fires ESSM, adding a shorter-range layer for defending the ship and nearby force elements.

Sources: Fregatten der Sachsen-Klasse | Bundeswehr

Harpoon, Coastal and anti-ship cruise missile system, ArtilleryHarpoonAnti-ship missile

Bundeswehr lists two Harpoon launchers on the class for engaging surface targets beyond gun range.

Sources: Fregatten der Sachsen-Klasse | Bundeswehr

Specifications

Displacement
5,800 tonnes
Length
143.0 m
Beam
17.4 m
Draught
6.0 m
Speed
29 knots
Crew
236 sailors, plus 18 air personnel when embarked
Propulsion
CODAG with one gas turbine and two diesel engines
Sensors
APAR multifunction radar, SMART-L long-range radar, DSQS-21Bmod sonar, FL 1800 S electronic warfare system
Armament
76 mm Compact gun, RGM-84 Harpoon, Mk41 VLS for SM-2 and ESSM, RIM-116 RAM, 27 mm MLG, and MU90 torpedoes

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
Sachsen, Hamburg, and Hessen entered German Navy service between 2004 and 2006; Hessen later deployed with Operation Aspides in the Red Sea in 2024.
Used by
German Navy

Conflict Usage

The F124 Sachsen-class frigate Hessen deployed to EU Operation Aspides in 2024 in the Red Sea/Gulf of Aden to protect merchant shipping from Houthi drone and missile attacks. Sources report Hessen successfully engaged Houthi threats, including shooting down drones and intercepting a Houthi missile. Bundeswehr also describes the F124 class as especially suited to area air defence in this mission.

Sachsen class / F124 frigate Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources