The Bundeswehr has signed a contract to build a new class of reconnaissance ships, known as “Flotten-Dienstboten Class 424.”
These vessels, designed for reconnaissance, are set to become an important part of Germany’s future naval fleet. The plan is to commission three such ships by 2029. The construction of the first ship officially began on February 25 at the “Penne” shipyard in Wolgast, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
The ships, which are about 130 meters in length, will be equipped with advanced sensor systems for surveillance, data processing, and transmission. This will allow them to effectively serve as the “eyes and ears” of the German fleet in the global ocean. These vessels will be capable of staying at sea for up to a year without needing to dock, thanks to their ability to refuel and replenish supplies in open waters. Additionally, each ship will feature a helicopter landing pad and the ability to accommodate drones.
The multibillion-euro contract for the construction of these ships was awarded to Naval Vessels Lürssen Group, and several northern German shipyards are involved in the project. At the “Penne” shipyard, the bow section of the first ship is being created.
The Deputy Inspector General of the Bundeswehr, Lieutenant General Andreas Hoppe, emphasized that the project must be completed as quickly as possible, especially given the escalating situation in the Baltic Sea.
Each ship will be crewed by 100 personnel, half of whom will be naval sailors, and the other half will be servicemen from the “Cyber Space and Information Systems” division. These new reconnaissance ships will replace the aging “Oste” class vessels, which have been in service for over 30 years.
