Rheinmetall unveils GMF 140 multi‑mission frigate for NATO navies

German defence group Rheinmetall presented the GMF 140, a 140‑metre, 6,000‑tonne guided‑missile frigate designed for NATO and allied navies. The ship integrates the US‑origin AEGIS combat system, 64 strike‑length vertical launch cells, and the Lockheed Martin CMS‑330 combat‑management system, providing air‑defence, ballistic‑missile defence, anti‑submarine warfare and long‑range land‑attack capabilities. Its low‑signature hull, digital integration and reduced crew requirements aim to deliver high survivability and flexibility for blue‑water, littoral and expeditionary missions, while supporting US or European helicopters and unmanned systems.

Rheinmetall plans to market the GMF 140 initially through a procurement programme in North America, targeting the United States and Canada. The announcement coincided with a 2 % rise in Rheinmetall shares and follows the company’s 2026 acquisition of naval‑systems specialist NVL. The frigate’s specifications and export focus position it as a competitive option in the global surface‑combatant market, potentially influencing future naval modernisation programmes among NATO members.