The United States has approved a prospective $3.5-billion foreign military sale to Germany involving SM-6 Block I and SM-2 Block IIIC missiles for its forthcoming F127 air-defense frigate program. Germany’s request includes 173 SM-6s, 577 SM-2 Block IIICs, VLS canisters, test gear, spare components, engineering support, and full logistics and sustainment coverage.
The SM-6—known as the RIM-174 Standard ERAM—provides long-range, multi-role interception, covering anti-air warfare, anti-surface engagements, ballistic missile defense, and terminal phase intercepts. The missile exceeds 200 kilometers in range and nearly reaches Mach 3.5, enabling engagements far beyond radar limits.
The SM-2 Block IIIC is the next-generation upgrade to the SM-2 line, introducing a dual-mode seeker with active and semi-active guidance, a redesigned dorsal fin, and thrust-vectoring jet-tabs to improve flight control. Raytheon expects development to conclude by September 2031.
These missiles will form the backbone of the F127’s air-defense suite as the class prepares to replace the F124 Sachsen frigates in the mid-2030s. The new ships, co-built by NVL Group and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, will be based on the MEKO A-400 AMD architecture and incorporate the Aegis combat system with the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar. Germany aims to build five frigates initially, with potential growth to a fleet of eight.
Beyond Standard-series interceptors, the F127 will also be armed with Naval Strike Missiles, 3SM Tyrfing anti-ship missiles, and possibly Tomahawk Block V land-attack missiles if procurement is approved.
