The order for the advanced F126 frigates is the German navy's biggest in years, and comes as Berlin seeks to overhaul its creaking armed forces in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The contract for the six warships -- set to be the largest vessels in the German fleet -- was awarded years ago to Dutch group Damen Naval, and is reported to be worth over 10 billion euros ($12 billion).

The first was due to be delivered in 2028 but this has been delayed by three to four years due to problems with the IT systems, according to German media reports.

The whole project was now on hold due to "massive delays", a defence ministry spokesman said in Berlin, adding: "We are currently investigating how to proceed, but no decisions have been made yet."

He refused to comment on whether a German group was in the running to take on the project.

It came after newspaper Bild reported that German shipyard Naval Vessels Luerssen (NVL) was now set to take over as the main contractor from the Dutch group.

NVL, based in the northern port city of Bremen, said in a statement to AFP that the shipyard was "ready to assume responsibility" and look at taking on the project if requested to do so.

It declined to give further details.

The German shipbuilder earlier this month agreed to be taken over by Rheinmetall, Germany's biggest defence company, which has been expanding rapidly since the outbreak of the Ukraine war.

The Rheinmetall-NVL deal is set to close in early 2026.

The influence of Rheinmetall in political circles in Berlin is likely to have helped in reaching an agreement over the F126 warships, Bild said.

The defence ministry also said that it is planning to upgrade some existing frigates so they can be used until 2035, to allow extra time for the delivery of the new warships.

sr/fz

RHEINMETALL