F124 Frigates to Receive Hensoldt Sensor Upgrade

The German Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Use (BAAINBw) has signed a contract with Hensoldt Sensors for the delivery and installation of four radar systems for the SACHSEN class frigates (F124) in a contract valued at around €220M. Training and logistic support are also part of the agreement. These are long-range radars of the TRS-4D/LR ROT type which will replace the SMART-L radars currently in use on the three frigates for air and sea surveillance. A fourth system will be installed at the test reference and training facility at the Naval Technology School in Parow. In addition to the training, there is also the possibility of testing possible system modifications on the radar before they are implemented.

The three F124 units were put into service between 2004 and 2005 and are designed as multi-role frigates for convoy protection and sea control. All sensors and weapons on board are optimised for air defence. With the TRS-4D/LR ROT, the ships will have the ability to detect and track ballistic missiles.

The radar’s AESA technology enables the precise detection of particularly small and manoeuvrable objects at a range of more than 400 km for air targets and up to 2,000 km for objects in Earth orbit. The conversion of the ships will begin in 2024 and should be completed by 2028.

Juergen Hensel