First MEKO A-200 frigate for Egypt commences sea trials
The Egyptian Navy is receiving six MEKO A-200 frigates similar to vessels provided to the South African Navy (pictured is SAS Amatola). (Photo: TKMS)
Sea trials are in progress in Germany of ENS Al-Aziz, the first of six MEKO A-200 vessels ordered by Egypt.
Sea trials are underway in Germany of the first MEKO A-200 frigate built by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Blohm+Voss and HDW for the Egyptian Navy.
ENS Al-Aziz is armed with eight MM40 Block 3 Exocet and 32 VL MICA NG missiles plus a Vulcano 127mm main gun and four 20mm cannon, as well as MU90 lightweight and DM-2A4 (SeaHake Mod 4) heavyweight torpedoes.
Thales supplied its Scorpion 2 EW jamming system and NS-110 4D AESA radar.
In April 2019, the German government approved the sale of six MEKO A-200 vessels, providing guarantees of up to €2.3 billion (US$2.5 billion).
Each of these vessels is 121m long and displaces 3,700t with a top speed of 29kt.
The first three units are being built by TKMS in Germany with the rest constructed at Alexandria Shipyards in Egypt.
TKMS is also reportedly in talks with the Egyptian government to co-produce the MEKO A-300 frigate with a shipyard in the North African country.
Related Programmes in Defence Insight
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
![TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid]()
TKMS joins forces with Norwegian shipbuilder for Fridtjof Nansen frigate replacement bid
Four shipbuilders have been downselected to build the frigate replacement programme, and TKMS hopes the new deal will give it a geographical advantage.
-
![As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?]()
As Australian resistance rises, is AUKUS in trouble?
The tripartite submarine project is under political pressure from a grass-roots Australian Labor Party movement, but it could also have practical issues in its way.
-
![Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting]()
Newest Arleigh Burke Flight III destroyer launched and ready for fitting
DDG 129, which will become the USS Jeremiah Denton on commissioning, was moved to dry dock to begin its technical fitting and testing.
-
![Dune joint venture wins four year contract to bolster UAE OPV fleet]()
Dune joint venture wins four year contract to bolster UAE OPV fleet
The JV between Al Seer Marine and Damen International doubles down on a recent deal to increase the country’s offshore patrol vessel capabilities.
-
![US Navy sends second destroyer to patrol its own southern border]()
US Navy sends second destroyer to patrol its own southern border
The USS Spruance will help enforce anti-smuggling and anti-immigration laws.
