Better known for armored vehicles, artillery, air defense systems, ammunition, as well as naval munitions and electronics, the new warship marks Rheinmetall’s entry into an entirely new segment of the defense market. The ship is equipped with 64 strike-length Mk 41 vertical launch system (VLS) cells, allowing it to employ a wide range of air defense, ballistic missile defense, and land-attack missiles. Naval GroupThe GMF 140 is approximately 460 feet long and has a displacement of more than 6,600 tons. Rather than serving primarily as escorts, these ships are expected to provide area air defense, contribute to integrated missile defense networks, prosecute submarines, and deliver long-range precision strikes as part of distributed maritime operations. DamenInstead, Germany opted for a smaller, lower-risk design optimized for anti-submarine warfare, and based on the proven A-200 frigate design from the German shipbuilder TKMS.