Meko 200-class

🇩🇿 Algeria • 🇦🇺 Australia • 🇪🇬 Egypt • 🇬🇷 Greece • 🇳🇿 New Zealand • 🇵🇹 Portugal • 🇿🇦 South Africa • 🇹🇷 Turkey

The MEKO 200 is a German frigate design developed by the Blohm + Voss shipyard. Part of the MEKO family of warships, the design was developed for the export market, with the first production contract signed with the Turkish Navy in April 1983. The design has since been adapted into several sub-classes, including the MEKO A-200 and MEKO D.

The class utilizes modular construction techniques and is built with high-tensile steel. The hull is divided into twelve self-sufficient watertight sections, each functioning independently with separate data transfer to a central naval automation system. Design specifications include requirements for shock resistance and stiffness for fire control and radar systems. Propulsion configurations vary by variant and include Combined Diesel and Diesel (CODAD), Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG), and Combined Diesel and Gas-Water-jet and Refined Propellers (CODAG-WARP). Later iterations, such as the MEKO A-200SAN, incorporate signature reduction measures. National variants have undergone various modifications; for example, Portuguese vessels utilize a 100mm naval gun, while Australian and New Zealand units have received upgrades to combat management systems and phased array radars.

The class entered service in 1987 with the Turkish Navy, which operates two distinct groups known as the Yavuz and Barbaros classes. These vessels are utilized as sea-denying assets. The Australian and New Zealand navies operate the Anzac-class variant, with ten ships delivered by 2006. Portugal operates three Vasco da Gama-class ships, which were authorized in 1985 and constructed using modular techniques in Germany.

The Hellenic Navy operates four Hydra-class vessels, the first commissioned in 1992 and the remainder built under license in Greece. Three of these ships were deployed for Operation Enduring Freedom between 2002 and 2003. South Africa commissioned four Valour-class frigates between 2000 and 2005. Recent service history includes the Algerian National Navy, which operates two Erradii-class frigates commissioned starting in 2016. The Egyptian Navy began receiving Al-Aziz-class frigates in 2022, with a procurement program that includes both German-built units and vessels to be constructed in Egypt. Currently, 33 vessels remain active across eight navies.