From the article, it sounds like Germany's procurement programs are in worse shape than our own. Kind of refreshing, but being 2nd in a race to the bottom is never a good thing. We're at least able to deliver, even if the program is severely flawed (LCS anyone?)
Some high points from the article-
The naval fiasco, on a project with a €3 billion price tag, is particularly startling since Europe’s largest exporter relies on open and secure shipping lanes to transport its goods.
After the ship failed sea trials last month, naval officials refused to commission it. The German Navy said the Baden-Württemberg’s central computer system—the design centerpiece allowing it to sail with a smaller crew—didn’t pass necessary tests....has reported problems with its radar, electronics and the flameproof coating on its fuel tanks. The vessel was also found to list to the starboard, a flaw a project spokesman says has been corrected. The Baden-Württemberg is now set to return to port next week for an “extended period,” the navy said.
the military procurement office said it was levying financial penalties from Thyssenkrupp for late delivery, but he declined to provide further details.
Hard to imagine the Germans completely ignoring undersea warfare.It lacks its predecessor’s sonar and torpedo tubes, making it a sitting duck for submarines.
“Too complicated, too ambitious, too badly managed.” Marcel Dickow, a weapons-procurement expert at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs in Berlin, said of the frigate. “They threw money at the project without thinking it through.”
”There’s a whole generation of German engineers who haven’t worked on a major defense project,” said Mr. Mölling, the defense expert. “It’s not that they lost this skill; they never learned it.” Engineering graduates shun weapons manufacturers in favor of “sexier” employers like conglomerate Siemens AG or car maker BMW AG, which offer better pay and career prospects, according to Mr. Mölling.
There's that famous German protectionism at work for them.Berlin could have bought warships from U.S., U.K. or French shipyards, but the government chose German bidders to buoy employment at German shipyards, according to Ms. Kempin, the defense expert.
It's going to be interesting to see this one play out. It'll probably go back to the yard, they'll lower the specs, it'll end up heavier and less capable and everyone will call it a solid win.