Germany plans to purchase four additional Meko A-200 frigates from shipyard TKMS for about €5.6 billion ($6.3 billion), according to a finance ministry document seen by Reuters on Tuesday. Approval from the parliamentary budget committee of the lower house is expected on Thursday. The second tranche follows four ships of the same type already on order, bringing the total programme to eight frigates with a combined value of €11.6 billion. The pure construction contract for the additional ships is valued at €5.3 billion, with the remainder covering project support and reserve funds. Construction of the new vessels is scheduled for completion by 2035, while the frigates from the first tranche are due to become operational from 2029. The government expects additional operating costs of €1.55 billion for the four new ships through 2045. The purchase follows Defence Minister Boris Pistorius's decision to scrap the rival F126 frigate project with Dutch shipbuilder Damen, citing delays and cost overruns. ($1 = €0.8888)