Germany has officially joined the United States’ advanced AN/SPY-6 radar program, marking a significant shift in German naval defense cooperation. According to a US Department of Defense announcement from May 30, 2025, Raytheon Missiles and Defense was awarded a contract worth initially $536.75 million for integration and production support services for the AN/SPY-6(V) multifunctional long-range radar system.
Major Investment Signals German Naval Modernization
The contract reveals that Germany will account for 28.4% of the total procurement, with the US government covering 71.4% through the Foreign Military Sales (FMS) program. When all contract options are exercised, the cumulative value could exceed $2.88 billion, indicating Germany’s substantial commitment to this radar technology.
This development strongly suggests that the German Navy will be equipped with AN/SPY-6 systems in the future, likely for integration into the upcoming F127-class frigates scheduled to replace the current F124 air defense frigates from the mid-2030s. Six units are planned according to the German Navy’s recently published “Course 2025” objectives.
Germany’s Path to US Integration
The decision follows Germany’s December 2024 parliamentary approval of €44.5 million for preparatory studies to integrate the AEGIS combat management system into the preferred F127 frigate design, signaling an early preference for US systems over European alternatives.
Advanced Modular Radar Technology
The AN/SPY-6 represents the US Navy’s next-generation S-band radar family, developed by Raytheon (now RTX Corporation). This Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) 3D radar system features a modular architecture based on Radar Modular Assemblies (RMA) – self-contained radar units housed in 2x2x2-foot boxes that function like building blocks. The system utilizes advanced Gallium Nitride (GaN) semiconductor technology for enhanced power density and integrates seamlessly with the AEGIS combat management system to provide comprehensive air and missile defense capabilities against multiple threat types.
Choosing SPY-6 Over SPY-7
Germany’s participation in the AN/SPY-6 program represents a clear choice over Lockheed Martin’s competing AN/SPY-7 system. This decision reflects not only technical considerations but also strategic priorities regarding interoperability with US forces and strengthening national defense industry ties.
The choice aligns Germany with a select group of nations, including Japan and Singapore, that have expressed interest in AN/SPY-6 technology. Meanwhile, Spain selected AN/SPY-7 for its F110 frigates, as did Canada and Japan for other platforms.