The Leonardo Vulcano ammunition family, in conjunction with the OTO 127/64 Lightweight (LW) naval guns, have been selected by Damen to equip the German Navy’s new four F126 frigates, with the addition of two optional vessels. 

In addition, the contract includes the supply of support for maintenance activities, simulators for crew training, and onboard activities for the integration and commissioning of the system.

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The OTO Melara 127/64 LW naval gun is a technologically sophisticated and fully digitalized system able to provide constant support to operators and the onboard Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning.

According to Leonardo, the OTO Melara 127/64 LW naval gun can employ equally the standard 127 mm ammunition and two variants of the following:

• Ballistic Extended Range (BER) 
• Guided Long-range (GLR) 

Also read: OTO VULCANO 127 | Dual-role ammunition against surface and long-range aerial targets

The new agreement builds upon a long-standing strategic partnership between Leonardo and the German Navy. Leonardo’s naval defence systems already equip German Navy vessels, including its Baden-Württemberg class frigates, which are also equipped with these systems, Leonardo said in a statement.

Leonardo is further consolidating the strategic and established relationship both with Damen Naval and the Royal Netherlands Navy. The Netherlands Ministry of Defence has already selected the Oto Melara 127/64 LW naval guns, along with the Automatic Ammunition Handling System (AAHS) for standard and Vulcano ammunition, with the aim to modernize the four frigates of the De Zeven Provinciën-class. 

In fact, it should be noted that Damen Naval is building the four F-126 class frigates together with its partners Blohm+Voss and Thales. Damen Naval was selected as the successful bidder in 2020 following a European tender process spanning several years. The contract covers the delivery of initially four ships in the years 2028 to 2031 with an agreed option for possible delivery of two more ships in the years after 2032. Finally, all building work will be carried out entirely in Germany at shipyards in Kiel, Hamburg, and Wolgast.

Also read: Leonardo | The LIONFISH weapon station will equip the new naval units of the Royal Navy of the Netherlands