Germany's frigate switch favors a design ready for production

Why would Germany replace six F126 frigates with eight F128 MEKO 200 derivatives when the quoted cost of the first four seems so high for light frigates?

The MEKO route offers a ready design and production path, and the resulting ships are expected to be high-end derivatives rather than simple light frigates.

The expected result is a substantially enlarged, high-end MEKO derivative, closer to a larger Mogami concept than to the original MEKO 200. Retaining the MEKO name is suggested as a way of getting the project through procurement. Its attraction is the availability of a design ready to proceed while the Damen construction programme has become badly troubled. The assessment therefore turns on the expected size and capability of the derivative and the value of an available production route.