Atlas Elektronik and Thales Deutschland to Modernize Combat System of F124 Frigate

March 11, 2013 defense-aerospace.com

(Source: Atlas Elektronik; issued March 11, 2013)

Atlas Elektronik and Thales Deutschland have jointly been commissioned to modernize the combat system of the German Class F124 frigates. The CEOs of both enterprises recently signed the contract at the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) in Koblenz.

With completion scheduled for 2017, the “HW Regeneration CDS F124” consortium formed by the two companies will refurbish the hardware of the Combat Direction System (CDS) and also adapt and update the software. The regeneration process is driven by the sweeping implementation of commercial hardware and software, because technological development in this field is progressing at a rapid pace. Here it will be possible build up on the know-how and experience gained during the F124 construction and service phase, in which both companies were involved.

The order comprises the three frigates “Sachsen”, “Hamburg” and “Hessen” as well as the Test and Training Centre (EZ/AZ) in Wilhelmshaven and the Reference Maintainer and Training Site (RMTS) in Den Helder. The work is to be organized and managed in such a way that the vessels will not need to be taken out of service.

The activities include replacement of the outdated console processors, the data recording modules, and various network modules using components of the latest generation. Supportability of CDS components that are not regenerated yet critical for the system’s realtime response will, however, be ensured. An intentional side-effect is that, following the hardware regeneration, the computer systems will offer sufficient capacity for the integration of new subsystems and future CDS functionalities.

Volker Paltzo, Managing Director of Atlas Elektronik and Peter Obermark, CEO of Thales Deutschland, stated: “The frigates of the Class F124 are amongst the most modern and effective ships of their kind worldwide. We are proud of this expression of trust: in close cooperation with the German Navy, Atlas Elektronik and Thales – as two internationally leading system suppliers – are to prepare these ships for the challenges of the years to come.”


The Atlas Elektronik Group stands for maritime and naval solutions above and below the ocean surface. The company holds a leading position in all fields of maritime high technology, from command & control systems including radio & communication systems for submarines, surface combatants and mine warfare systems and ranging to heavyweight torpedoes, coastal surveillance systems and in-service support. Atlas has established a worldwide customer portfolio. The electronics specialist is a joint company of ThyssenKrupp and EADS and has a workforce of over 1900 highly skilled employees.

Thales is a global technology leader for the Defence & Security and the Aerospace & Transport markets. In 2012, the company generated revenues of €14.2 billion with 67,000 employees in 56 countries. Thales Deutschland is headquartered in Stuttgart and is Thales Group's third largest national subsidiary. The company employs about 3,800 persons at 24 locations and carries out its own manufacturing and development. In 2011, Thales Deutschland generated sales of EUR 1 billion, of which 75 percent were German value added.