Exail Partners with Saab and Arche to Modernize German Navy’s Frigates
In a significant advancement for maritime defense capabilities, Exail has announced a strategic partnership with Saab and Arche to update the navigation and cybersecurity systems of the German Navy’s F123 Brandenburg-class frigates. This collaboration marks a pivotal move to enhance the operational efficiency and security of Germany’s naval fleet.
Under this ambitious project, the consortium plans to integrate Exail’s advanced “Marins” inertial navigation systems along with “Netans” data distribution units. These upgrades are designed to improve the frigates’ precision in managing redundant data, thereby bolstering cybersecurity during naval operations.
The Marins system is anticipated to significantly enhance positioning accuracy for the frigates, allowing for safer navigation in challenging maritime environments. Meanwhile, the Netans system will facilitate real-time information exchange across the fleet, ensuring better coordination and responsiveness in mission scenarios.
This modernization initiative builds on previous contracts awarded to Saab and Arche. Saab initially received a contract in 2021 to completely overhaul the combat management system of the Brandenburg-class fleet. Following that, Arche secured a separate contract in 2022 to provide essential electronic chart displays, automatic identification systems, and radar systems not just for the frigates, but for over 30 additional military platforms within the German Armed Forces.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Exail Regional Sales Director Jens Higgen stated, “We are pleased to partner with Arche and Saab to deliver state-of-the-art technology for the Brandenburg-class frigates. We are also grateful to the German Navy for their continued trust. This new contract not only reflects their ongoing satisfaction with Exail’s integrated and evolutive navigation solutions but also strengthens their trust in Exail’s expertise in delivering innovative defense technology.”
The Brandenburg-class frigate, which first entered service in the early 1990s, was designed to replace the older post-World War II vessels. Measuring 139 feet (42 meters) in length and 17 meters (56 feet) in beam, the ship is powered by a combination of MTU diesel engines and General Electric gas turbines, enabling speeds of over 54 kilometers (33 miles) per hour and a remarkable operational range of 4,000 nautical miles (7,408 kilometers).
In terms of defense, the frigate is equipped with a variety of protective features, including multi-ammunition softkill decoys, an electronic countermeasure suite, anti-submarine torpedoes, and an arsenal of anti-aircraft and anti-ship missiles, as well as rapid-fire cannons and naval guns. Additionally, depending on mission requirements, the Brandenburg-class ships can accommodate two Westland Lynx helicopters or additional armaments.
The modern upgrades to the Brandenburg-class frigates signify a commitment to maintaining a robust and technologically advanced naval fleet, ensuring that the German Navy remains well-prepared to meet future challenges on the high seas.
