Rüstung: Fregatten-Streit – Werft will Milliarden von Deutschland

In a dispute over the cancellation of the F126 frigate project, the Dutch shipbuilding firm Damen is seeking billion-euro payment and release claims against the German Defense Ministry. Legal counsel Peter Gauweiler revealed these claims to the Süddeutsche Zeitung. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius decided to end the project in June.

Damen Schelde Naval Shipbuilding (DSNS), initially hired as the general contractor, failed to meet time and financial constraints, according to the ministry at the time. The first frigate with initial performance was originally supposed to be delivered by mid-2028, with subsequent ships by 2033. This became entirely unrealistic in the end.

Pistorius dismissed the resignation and the media sensationalized termination as having no legal basis. The damage is already 2.3 billion euros, and could significantly increase with damages claims. Pistorius strongly rejected accusations of legal wrongdoing in ending the billion-euro frigate project. He stated that statements on behalf of the Dutch Damen firm were a "preventive counterattack in anticipation of any further developments."

The minister clarified that "while we do not want to prejudge an ongoing procedure, it is also publicly known that Damen knows we could seek damages of 2.3 billion euros from them." Pistorius acknowledged that while the company's defense of a terminated contract might be legitimate, it is based on poor contractor performance, which is known to all parties.

The Defense Ministry has carefully considered why they did this and must do it to prevent further damage to taxpayers. Additionally, Rheinmetall is applying for a new frigate project to secure a US contract after the F126 cancellation.