BERLIN, July 10 (Reuters) -

Germany is considering the option of buying three more F127

frigates than previously envisaged, including eight Aegis combat

systems produced by U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin ( LMT ),

a military source told Reuters on Thursday.

Previously, Berlin had been eyeing the purchase of five F127

air defence frigates which are meant to replace the older

generation of F124 frigates.

The defence ministry in Berlin did not immediately respond

to a request for comment.

The German parliament's budget committee approved the

first funds in preparation for the project in December.

In September 2024, ThyssenKrupp's naval ship building

division TKMS and privately-owned NVL Group established a joint

venture to build the new frigates.

A spokesperson for TKMS declined comment.