The German Federal Ministry of Defence announced that it is planning to procure a 4th Type 424 intelligence ship…
Through this procurement, Germany aims to expand its maritime intelligence-collection capacity and to maintain continuous operational availability for intelligence activities.
Under the Type 424 program, intelligence vessels approximately 130 meters in length are planned to be built to conduct communications and electronic intelligence operations.
The first ship is expected to be delivered to the German Navy in 2029 and to replace the Oste-class vessels.
The Type 424 is a next-generation maritime intelligence ship approximately 132 meters in length being developed for the German Navy.
With a displacement of 3,500 to 4,000 tons, the Type 424 is being built to conduct communications intelligence (COMINT) and electronic intelligence (ELINT) operations and to analyze data collected from the electromagnetic spectrum.
As part of this role, Type 424 platforms are planned to be used to detect, track, classify, and geolocate communications emissions, as well as radar and other electromagnetic emissions, from land, air, and maritime elements.
The Type 424 will be equipped with hydroacoustic sensors and electro-optical systems, providing underwater and visual data-collection capability in addition to electromagnetic intelligence…