ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, a German provider of naval vessels, surface ships, and submarines, has presented at the Euronaval exhibition in Paris its MEKO A-200 EN frigate.
A model of the MEKO A-200 EN frigate at Euronaval 2022. (Picture source: Navy Recognition)
The MEKO A-200 Frigate follows the famous MEKO 200 series general-purpose frigates from the ThyssenKrupp stable. A fighting ship capable of full 4-dimensional warfare (AAW, ASW, and ASuW, BCW), the MEKO A-200 Frigate is also designed for sustained operations across the full spectrum of general missions and tasks: patrol and interdiction, support of special force operations, SAR and humanitarian operations.
The frigate is a perfect example of the innovative propulsion, stealth and survivability design, robust sea-keeping, and all-weather boat and helicopter operability that characterizes frigates from Marine Systems.
The MEKO A-200 has greatly reduced radar, IR, acoustic and magnetic signatures to hide and stay hidden: The X-Form shell design; extensive bulwark screening of exposed equipment; flush-closing shell doors, and RCSnet screening of all shell openings, give the vessel very low radar cross-section.
The class of frigates features the revolutionary CODAG-WARP (water jet and refined propellers) propulsion system: two CPP propeller shafts driven by cross-connectable diesel engines plus a center-line, gas turbine-driven water jet, combining the power of each drive in the water with no need for a combining gearbox.
The ship will be armed with 32X VLS (Vertical Launching System) for MICA-NG SAM, which is an anti-air multi-target, all-weather, fire-and-forget short and medium-range missile system designed and manufactured by the company MBDA.
