Germany to order fourth intelligence ship

Germany will order a fourth signals intelligence ship of a new class, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said on September 14, as Berlin moves to strengthen the navy’s surveillance capabilities amid a deteriorating security environment.

Speaking in the northeastern town of Wolgast at the keel-laying ceremony for the third ship of the class, being built by Rheinmetall, Pistorius said the vessels were crucial for maintaining situational awareness, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media. 

“These ships can hear and see what others cannot hear and see. They are our eyes and ears at sea. They perceive and analyse a huge extent of signals and sounds,” Pistorius said.

He added that the draft budget for the fourth ship was being submitted to parliament for approval.

The German Navy is expected to begin receiving the new class of ships from 2029.

By Sabina Mammadli