Germany faces €4.7b Damen claim after ditching troubled frigate progamme

Damen is seeking about €4.7 billion from the German government after Berlin cancelled the troubled F126 frigate programme. According to a letter seen by Reuters, the amount comprises contractually agreed payments and indemnity claims that Damen attributes to an alleged government breach of contract, while the company is also examining additional damages claims. Germany's defence ministry said in June that it would terminate F126 and instead plans to procure eight MEKO A-200 frigates from TKMS. The €4.7 billion figure is a claim by Damen and should not be treated as an accepted German liability or final payment.