Rheinmetall has laid the keel for Germany’s third Class 424 fleet signals intelligence vessel at Wolgast shipyard, several months ahead of schedule.
The ceremony, attended by Federal Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, Minister President Manuela Schwesig, and Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger, signifies continued progress in the delivery of new maritime reconnaissance capabilities for the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr).
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Keel laying for the third vessel comes after the first steel for this same ship was cut at the Peene-Werft facility in April this year.
In addition to the third vessel, construction of the second vessel in the series is currently underway at the same site.
Final outfitting, commissioning, and testing of these vessels will be completed at Rheinmetall’s Blohm+Voss facility in Hamburg.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger said: “The successful keel laying, well ahead of schedule, is a strong testament to the capabilities of our entire team. It demonstrates what is possible when planning, technological expertise, and collaborative partnerships are consistently integrated.
“It also showcases the skills and knowledge that make this facility a hub of modern naval shipbuilding. Today we have reached an important milestone, thereby creating an excellent foundation for the next phases of construction.”
The Class 424 programme forms part of Germany’s efforts to modernise its naval intelligence fleet and bolster its ability to operate in a complex electromagnetic environment.
The new ships, which will each measure approximately 130m in length, are intended to replace the ageing OSTE-class units and provide enhanced maritime intelligence gathering with updated sensor and data collection equipment.
According to Pistorius, the new vessels are scheduled to enter into service from 2029 onwards.
Pistorius said: “The new generation of Class 424 fleet intelligence vessels is equipped with high-performance sensor technology that enables very efficient monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum across land, air and sea, and allows for even better intelligence gathering.”
In addition to the keel laying of third vessel, Pistorius announced government intentions to proceed with a fourth fleet intelligence vessel.
“Three are currently under construction. I have therefore, in close consultation with the Chief of the Navy and the Chief of the Cyber and Information Domain Service, set the course for a fourth sistership. We are now proceeding to the parliamentary vote on this matter,” Pistorius stated.
