At the NVL site in Wolgast, the keel of the second of a total of three new Class 424 intelligence vessels was laid today, several months ahead of schedule.
The traditional keel laying ceremony was attended by Rear Admiral Andreas Czerwinski, Head of the Naval Division of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), Vice Admiral Axel Deertz, Deputy Inspector of the Navy and Commander of the Fleet and Support Forces, Major General Jürgen Setzer, Deputy Inspector of Cyber and Information Space Forces (CIR) and Commander of CIR Troops, and Klaus Heilinglechner, Mayor of the future twin town of Wolfratshausen
The approximately 130-meter-long intelligence vessels are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology and will serve the German Armed Forces as reconnaissance platforms for sea-based information gathering.
“I am extremely pleased that, together with the contractor, we have managed to reach this important milestone in the project ahead of schedule. This shows that all parties involved understand that time is of the essence,” said Rear Admiral Czerwinski.
“For every fleet commander, the keel laying of a new unit is a cause for celebration. In this case, the project is also several months ahead of schedule. With the new technology, we will also adapt the type of deployment. This will ensure that not only the gray steel, but also the type of use is state-of-the-art. The intelligence vessels will continue to be an indispensable part of the nation’s security precautions in the future,” said Vice Admiral Deertz.
“The three Class 424 intelligence vessels are an essential component for the Cyber and Information Space Force to fulfill its mission, i.e., reconnaissance in the electromagnetic spectrum. Today, we are taking a very significant step forward in this regard,” added Major General Setzer.
A ceremony was held today at the Peene-Werft to mark the keel laying of the second new-generation intelligence vessel. Keel laying is traditionally considered the symbolic start of actual shipbuilding. The highlight of the ceremony was the placing of lucky coins on the keel laying plate by the guests of honor and the wedging of the plate under the keel laying section.
“The construction progress of the state-of-the-art intelligence vessel is several months ahead of the original schedule, marking a significant milestone in the overall project. The construction of the first sister ship is also on schedule, underscoring the professional cooperation between the client and contractor as well as our high industrial performance,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of NVL. “The project represents the high technological quality and innovative strength of Germany as a business location, and we are proud to be making an important contribution to the modernization of the German Armed Forces’ maritime capabilities together with our partners.”
The new generation of intelligence vessels meets the latest military requirements for future-proof naval vessels. The ships will replace the OSTE-class units in the future