# German Navy frigate Bayern modernization > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-navy-modernization-contracts > Updated: 2026-08-02T21:49:02.000Z. Sources: 13. Developments: 3. After the July 2026 announcement of a joint MBDA‑Rheinmetall laser weapon system for the German Navy, Rheinmetall secured a mid‑three‑digit‑million‑euro contract to modernise the F123‑class frigate Bayern (F‑217) at the Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven. The programme begins with dismantling the vessel, then moving it to a floating dock for installation of a new combat management system, upgraded radar sensors, refreshed propulsion components, enhanced anti‑submarine warfare equipment and a refreshed weapons suite. Completion is scheduled for 2029, extending Bayern’s operational life to at least 2035. The order follows the defence ministry’s cancellation of the larger F126 frigate programme, giving Rheinmetall a significant mid‑size defence contract. ## Claims - Rheinmetall received a contract to modernise the German Navy frigate Bayern (F 217). (corroborated by 6 sources) - Modernisation work will be performed at the Neue Jadewerft shipyard in Wilhelmshaven. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The modernisation is scheduled for completion by 2029. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The upgrade will extend the frigate’s operational life to at least 2035. (corroborated by 6 sources) - Modernisation includes replacement of combat management system, radar sensors, propulsion, anti‑submarine warfare capability and weapons system. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The frigate is currently positioned at the shipyard pier where major components are being removed. (corroborated by 6 sources) - The contract value is in the mid three‑digit million‑euro range. (corroborated by 5 sources) - The contract follows the German defence ministry’s cancellation of the F126 frigate program earlier that month. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-02: Rheinmetall to modernize German frigate Bayern, service to 2035 Rheinmetall won a multi‑hundred‑million‑euro contract to modernize the German Navy’s frigate Bayern, upgrading combat systems, radars and propulsion to keep the ship in service until at least 2035, with work to 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rheinmetall-to-modernize-german-frigate-bayern-service-to-2035 ### 2026-07-30: Rheinmetall wins €‑hundreds‑million contract to modernize German frigate Bayern Rheinmetall won a mid‑hundreds‑million‑euro contract to modernise German frigate Bayern, with work at Wilhelmshaven’s Neue Jadewerft slated for completion by 2029 to extend service to 2035. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/rheinmetall-to-modernize-german-navy-frigate-bayern ### 2026-07-09: German Navy laser weapon system contract with MBDA and Rheinmetall Germany contracts MBDA and Rheinmetall to build a ship‑mounted high‑energy laser for the navy, aiming for 2029 service; the system, tested on frigate Sachsen, will counter drones and missiles and boost domestic 6 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/german-navy-moves-ahead-with-laser-cannon-program-and-f128-frigate-acquisition --- Cite as: German Navy frigate Bayern modernization. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-navy-modernization-contracts