[1] The programme, is now known under the working name of "Projekt Next Generation Frigate – Air Defence" (NGFrig-AD) was initiated by the BMVg in 2018 and is currently in the analysis phase 2 under the leadership of the BAAINBw.

[1] On September 2, 2024, the Federal Cartel Office approved the formation of a joint venture between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems GmbH (tkMS) and NVL [de].

The BAAINBw (Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support) intends to award the contract in mid-2025.

[2][3] The main mission of the F127 will be to protect an operational group or area against threats from the air (Air-and-Missile-Defence (AMD)), including in the future against ballistic missiles and hypersonic glide vehicles.

[1] In addition to their primary task of air defense, the frigates will also be capable of conducting surface and underwater naval warfare, long-range combat against land targets  and operating in cyber and information space.