Germany's F126 frigates to be equipped with Systematic's C2 software

The German Navy's F126 frigates will be equipped with Systematic's SitaWare C2 suite. (Damen Naval)

Germany's F126 frigates will be equipped with Systematic's command-and-control (C2) software, the company announced on 20 November.

The project, called the National Maritime C2 Service Bundeswehr (NMC2S Bw), will involve adding SitaWare Maritime and Fusion to the Bundeswehr's SitaWare Headquarters (HQ) licences and installing this onboard the F126 frigates.

A Systematic spokesperson told Janes the licences are aimed to be made available in 2024.

Germany will receive four multi-purpose surface combatant frigates under a EUR4.6 billion (USD5 billion) contract with prime contractor Damen Naval. Thales Netherlands is managing the full integration and delivery of the mission system, fire-control system, and communications suite.

The contract was awarded by DXC Technology Deutschland, which is managing the ships' integration timeframes following a subcontract from Thales Netherlands.

In August Systematic was contracted to deliver SitaWare HQ add ons – Maritime and Fusion – to the German Navy as part of the German Mission Network Block 2 (GMN 2) project. The spokesperson confirmed that both the GMN 2 and NMC2S Bw SitaWare software being delivered to the navy are the same version, adding that once delivered, the aim is “that no matter which vessel the navy [sailors] happen to be on, it will all be the same version, ensuring a continuum of understanding across the whole fleet”.

GMN 2 will be installed at the German Navy's shore-based Maritime Operations Command (MOC). The spokesperson said 300 licences are being delivered over a three-year period.