Germany approves MEKO A-200 frigate deal, releases €50m

Sources familiar with the project earlier told Reuters that at least three MEKO frigates are involved, which would each cost around €1 billion and are less expensive than the F-126.

The MEKO A-200 is significantly smaller, at around 4,000 tonnes, compared with the F-126, at approximately 10,000 tonnes, and has limitations, such as helicopter embarkation capabilities.

However, given the time constraints due to the Russian threat, the navy considers these limitations acceptable.

(Reporting by Markus Wacket, Writing by Miranda Murray, Editing by Madeline Chambers)