German F123 MLU adds compact TRAPS towed sonar and common systems with F128

Germany’s F123 frigate mid-life update reportedly restores ASW capability by integrating Elbit/GeoSpectrum’s compact TRAPS towed active/passive sonar, chosen due to space constraints. The modernization also emphasizes system commonality (e.g., Saab 9LV CMS and sensors) potentially shared with future F128 frigates to reduce integration risk and simplify logistics/training—an operationally relevant fleet-level capability approach.