In a decision that underscores how quickly Berlin is trying to move up the air and missile defense ladder at sea, the U.S. State Department on 14 November 2025 approved a potential Foreign Military Sale to Germany for Standard Missile 6 Block I and Standard Missile 2 Block IIIC, with an estimated value of up to 3.5 billion dollars, according to a notification from the Defense Security Cooperation Agency transmitted to Congress. The missiles will arm the German Navy’s planned F127 air and missile defense frigates, which are being designed around the Aegis Weapon System and the AN/SPY-6(V)1 radar, giving Germany a long-range, multi-layer naval shield against cruise and ballistic missile threats while tying its fleet more tightly into U.S. and NATO architectures. Read more.
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| The combination of SM-6 and SM-2 Block IIIC provides the F127 frigates with a layered engagement structure against air and missile threats, while retaining some offensive options. (Picture source: TKMS) |