German shield on the oceans. Record purchase of integrated warfare technology from the Pentagon

The US Department of State has approved the potential sale of the Integrated Combat System (ICS) for F127 frigates to Germany, the State Department's Bureau of Political-Military Affairs reported. The transaction is expected to be worth almost USD 12 billion.

The package includes eight Aegis-based ICS MK 6 MOD three AN/SLQ-32 electronic warfare systems.

The purchase is the largest American component to date of the German F127 frigate program, which is to replace the existing Sachsen class from the mid-1930s. These ships will be one of the elements of the anti-missile shield. The number of eight sets confirms the consideration of expanding the program from the original five to eight units.

This is yet another sale of weapons to German ships. Last year, Berlin approved the purchase of over 600 SM-6 and SM-2 air defense missiles.

Germany joins the small group of US allies building ships around the Aegis system, on which NATO's anti-missile shield in Europe is based. This group will also include Canada, Spain and Japan. (PAP)

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