The Australian Department of Defence decided to upgrade their Anzacs before all ships were completed.

This upgrade will include Sagem Vampir NG IRST (infra-red search and track) capability, Saab 9LV Combat Management System upgrade and CEA Technologies PAR 3D E/F band fixed active phased array radar and illuminator.

The vessels are also known as MEKO 200TN Track I or Yavuz class, after the lead ship of the family.

The Yavuz-class frigates have adopted the CODAD propulsion method with 4 MTU 20V Diesel engines, which require a substantial amount of maintenance.

The later Track IIA frigates have incorporated major improvements including the CODOG propulsion method with two MTU 16V diesel engines and two LM2500-30 gas turbines, a greater displacement of 3,350 tons (full load) and the replacement of the older Mk-29 Sea Sparrow launcher with the Mk-41 Mod 8 VLS.

These frigates are considered to be used not for naval superiority, but rather as sea-denying assets that will try to inflict maximum damage to the enemy, while trying to keep friendly casualties low.

The Vasco da Gama class, a development of the MEKO 200 PN German concept, are major surface ships of the Portuguese Navy.

Portugal operates three ships of this class, which were built in Kiel by Blohm + Voss, and later by HDW, using modular construction techniques.

The MEKO frigates have high-level specifications for shock resistance, stiffness requirements for the fire control and radar systems, and blast and gas pressure resistance to retain the integrity of the on-board weapon systems.

Each compartment has independent data transfer to the ship’s Naval Automation System, Nautos.