Naval defense systems OTO 127/64 LightWeight (LW) Volcano Leonardo's were selected by the Damen shipyard to equip the four F126 frigates, in addition to two optional ones, of the German Navy. The agreement includes support and maintenance services, simulators for crew training and on-board activities for integration and commissioning.
The OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano is a technologically sophisticated and completely digitalized system that ensures constant support to operators and the on-board Combat Management System for the calculation of shooting solutions during mission planning. Unique in the world capable of integrating Leonardo's Vulcano 127mm ammunition in the Guided Long Range (GLR) version and in the Ballistic Extended Range (BER) version, in addition to conventional ammunition, the OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano is able to extend the Defense capability of the ship up to 85 km away with metric accuracy.
The new agreement further strengthens the long-standing strategic partnership between Leonardo - which operates in Germany with various activities and is also present through the subsidiary Leonardo Germany GmbH with a production plant in the city of Neuss - and the German Navy. Leonardo's naval defense systems are already on board various types of German ships, including class frigates Baden-Württemberg, also equipped with the OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano with the ability to use Vulcano ammunition.
Hein van Ameijden, Managing Director of Damen Naval commented: “The F126 project is proceeding in line with the schedule and in full cooperation with government authorities. Leonardo is the ideal partner to achieve our goal of delivering at least four technologically advanced frigates to the German Navy. The F126 class will set new standards in terms of modularity and capability and Leonardo's OTO 127/64 LW Vulcano defense system is an important contribution. "
Still in the naval sector, Leonardo is consolidating its strategic relationship with both the Damen shipyard and the Dutch Navy. The latter has, in fact, already selected the 127/64 LW Vulcano, together with the automatic ammunition loading system standard and Vulcano (Automatic Ammunition Handling System - AAHS), for the renewal of the four class multirole units. By Zeven Provinciën.
Selected in 2020 as part of a European tender lasting several years, the Damen Naval shipyard is building the four F126 class frigates together with partners Blohm + Voss and Thales. The contract provides for the first delivery of four frigates between 2028 and 2031 and the possible delivery of two more optional ships after 2032. All construction work will be carried out entirely in Germany at the Kiel, Hamburg and Wolgast shipyards.
