Press
More power at sea: Germany plans to build two more frigates. This will enable the Bundeswehr to better defend itself in an emergency.
Berlin – Germany is increasing its strength at sea. The Bundestag’s budget committee has given the green light for the procurement of two more F 126 class frigates for the German Navy. The armament project has a volume of three billion euros, it was announced from the committee’s meeting.
marineInspector Jan Christian Kaack thanked for the decision, which will increase the number of these combat ships to six: “Reinforcement for our navy!” he wrote. And: “A total of six combat ships that can assert themselves in the long term in the hunt for submarines in the North Atlantic, the protection of sea routes and critical maritime infrastructure.”
Bundeswehr plans ships capable of three-dimensional naval warfare
In December, construction of the first F126 class frigate began. The armed forces plans to build ships that are to be “capable of three-dimensional naval warfare worldwide and comprehensively”. This means that targets can be attacked underwater, on the water and in the air. Maritime surveillance, enforcing embargoes, supporting special forces and evacuation operations are named as the most important tasks. Four frigates have already been financed, and an option for two more ships is now being exercised.
“Today we have decided on the largest procurement to date for 2024,” said FDP budget officer Karsten Klein. He explained: “The new ships will serve to ensure freedom of sea routes throughout the Atlantic and other coastal seas in Europe. At this point, the quantity of the fleet is important, with which we not only meet one of our NATO requirements, but also strengthen the Bundeswehr as a whole.
More soldiers for the Bundeswehr
The Federal Government also wants to increase the number of personnel in the Bundeswehr. Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) presented plans for a new military service on Wednesday. According to him, 5,000 additional volunteers are to be recruited each year for basic military service of between six and 17 months.
For this purpose, all 18-year-old men in a given year will have to answer a questionnaire. Of the 400,000 people contacted, 40,000 interested parties will be invited to the draft. Women will be contacted on a voluntary basis. (dpa)
#warships #planned