The eight F122 Bremen class frigates of the German Navy were commissioned between 1982 and 1990. The design is similar to the Dutch Kortenaer class but uses a different hull and propulsion system.

The first of class, Bremen (F207), was commissioned in 1982; Niedersachsen (F 208) in 1982; Rheinland-Pfalz (F 209) in 1983; Emden (F 210) in 1983; Koln (F 211) in 1984; Karlsruhe (F 212) in 1984; Augsburg (F213) in 1989 and Lubeck (F214) in 1990.


The ships were built for anti-submarine warfare as primary task even though they are not fitted with towed array sonars. They are also suited for anti-aircraft warfare and anti-surface warfare.

The Bremen Class frigates are effective vessels employed primarily in anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The Sea Lynx shipboard helicopter is employed in anti-submarine operations, and also in long-range sea surveillance and anti-surface warfare operations.

The Type 122 is equipped with efficient radar systems for surface and air surveillance, fire control and navigation. Sonar systems, situation picture and data transmission systems, electronic warfare systems and highly advanced communications technology specially designed for command and control tasks complete the suite of equipment.

The Bremen has two four-cell Boeing Harpoon missile launchers. Harpoon (RGM-84) is an anti-surface missile, with active radar seeker and range of 130km. The ship is equipped with a 76mm Oto Melara anti-air and anti-surface gun. The gun is capable of a firing rate up to 85 rounds a minute to a range of more than 15km. Two 20mm guns model Rh202 from Rheinmetal are installed port and starboard.

The ship's point defence system is based on the medium-range Nato Sea Sparrow and the short range RAM (rolling airframe) missile. The Sea Sparrow surface-to-air missile is launched from two mk29 eight-cell launchers mounted side by side at the fore of the ship, above and behind the Otobreda gun. The RAM (RIM-116A), supplied by Raytheon and RAM Systems GmbH, is installed at the aft of the ship above the helicopter deck.

The ship accommodates two Sea Lynx helicopters from AgustaWestland. They are equipped with AQS-18D dipping sonar from L-3 Communications - Ocean Systems and two torpedoes type mk46 or type DM4. The hangar provides space, facilities and equipment for the maintenance of two helicopters. The flight deck is large enough for landing a Sea King type helicopter.

The Bremen class will be replaced by the planned F125 class frigates, starting probably around 2014.