Egypt has achieved a milestone in its naval modernization program by launching its first locally built Meko A200 frigate, the fourth of its class, at the Alexandria Shipyard on 4 December 2023. The launch ceremony was attended by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi and coincided with the EDEX 2023 defence exhibition underway in Cairo.
The new frigate, named Al-Jabbar (910), meaning “The Mighty”, is the result of a cooperation agreement between the Egyptian military-owned Alexandria Shipyard and the Germany-based Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), which supplied the design and technology transfer for the Meko A200 platform.
Egypt ordered four Meko A-200EN frigates from TKMS in September 2018, for a total of EUR two (2) billion Euros, with the aim of replacing its ageing Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates that comprise the bulk of its escort fleet. Germany approved the sales in April one year later. The first three units were produced in Germany and the fourth vessel was built by Alexandria Shipyard in Egypt, with the involvement of more than 1,000 Egyptian engineers and technicians.
The Meko A200 is a multi-mission frigate with stealth features and advanced combat systems. It is 121 metres long and displaces 3 700 tons, with a top speed of 29 knots. It is armed with eight MM40 Block 3 Exocet and 32 VL MICA NG missiles, a Vulcano 127 mm main gun, four 20 mm cannon, and MU90 lightweight and DM-2A4 (SeaHake Mod 4) heavyweight torpedoes. It is also equipped with Thales Scorpion 2 electronic warfare system, NS-110 4D active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar, ALTSSE-H Communication Electronic Support Measures/Communications Intelligence system, and Mirador Mk 2 electro-optical system.
The first-of-class ship Al-Aziz (908) was handed over to the Egyptian Navy in October 2022 and is already in service, while the second ship Al-Qahhar (909), meaning “The Subduer”, was handed over in May 2023. The third ship Al Qadeer (909), meaning “The Powerful”, was launched in April 2022 and is expected to be delivered soon. The fourth and final ship Al-Jabbar is scheduled to undergo sea trials and join the fleet by the end of 2024.
The Meko A200 frigates will enhance the Egyptian Navy’s capabilities and presence in the Mediterranean and the Red Sea, as well as support its role in securing the Suez Canal and protecting its maritime interests. The frigates will also contribute to the regional stability and security, as Egypt is a key partner of several countries in the Middle East and Africa.
The launch of Al-Jabbar marks a significant achievement for the Egyptian naval industry, as it demonstrates its ability to manufacture large military vessels with high standards and quality. It also reflects the strong cooperation and partnership between Egypt and Germany in the field of defence and technology.