Egyptian Navy orders four Meko A-200 frigates for EUR 2 billion Euros
The Egyptian Navy has ordered four MEKO A-200 frigates as an alternative to the additional Naval Group Gowind corvettes for a total of EUR two (2) billion Euros. According to French and German newspaper reports, the Egyptian Navy would receive the MEKO A-200 frigates from German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in a deal worth EUR2 billion (USD2.3 billion) for four A-200s, one of which will be built in Egypt.
In September 2018 the frigate deal was (reportedly) signed, but on the deal, it only mentioned a possible order for just two MEKO A-200 frigates for a total of 1 billion Euros.
Egypt ordered the Meko A-200 frigates from German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), As of the time of writing, the Egyptian officials, TKMS, and the German government have not confirmed the existence of the deal.
Following severe criticism Saudi Arabia receieved fom Egypt over the apparent murder of exiled journalist Jamal Khashoggi, Saudi Arabia has frozen the deal between Egypt and Germany for the four MEKO A200 frigates. This latest move by Saudi Arabia highlights how Egypt’s arms acquisition and spending over the last few years remains largely dependent on foreign financing.
The MEKO A-200 Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) class frigate features a towed array sonar and a variable depth sonar. Their VLS accommodates surface-to-air missiles and anti-submarine rockets. Up to two light ASW helicopters can be operated from this ship. Eight Anti-ship missiles, 2 RAM close-in weapon systems, and a 127mm naval gun complete the weapon system. The MEKO A-200 ASW frigate includes a 3D phased array radar and a 2D long range search radar. The MEKO A-200 ASW version has been ordered by the South African Navy (MEKO A-200 SAN).
The four frigates were delivered to South Africa between 2006 and 2007. Algeria (MEKO A-200 AN) has also ordered two class frigates commissioned in 2015 and 2016.
