Germany upgrades minehunting vessels
Atlas Elektronik will modernise three minehunting vessels of the German Navy under an order announced on 21 December. The contract, signed with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), is worth €78.5 million.
The Germany Navy is carrying out a project to equip the Frankenthal class (Type 332) vessels with the Integrated Mine Counter Measure System (IMCMS) and Atlas Elektronik’s SeaFox mine disposal vehicle. The vessels will also be given the ability to control the Seehund remotely operated vehicle. A shore-based training and testing facility will also be established.
Between 2009 and 2012, Atlas Elektronik fitted out five Frankenthal class vessels with the IMCMS and SeaFox. With this phase of the programme, a further three vessels will be modernised. The remaining two boats will be used as mission platforms for mine clearance divers.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Naval Warfare
-
Eurosatory 2026: Schiebel’s frigate-first strategy indicates a shift in UAV competition
Schiebel is pursuing opportunities in the UK and France while leveraging its integration with Naval Group’s FDI frigate programme to create new naval business across Europe.
-
US weighs offshore warship production due to industrial limits
A Pentagon push to procure warships from Japanese and South Korean shipyards could reshape allied naval industrial strategy, but critics warn the approach risks hollowing out the domestic base Washington is seeking to restore.
-
Lessons shaping the next phase of Arleigh Burke production post-Flight IIA
The accelerated delivery of the final Flight IIA destroyer, USS Patrick Gallagher, showcases the payoff of years of workforce investment and process reform at Bath Iron Works, with the lessons feeding into Flight III production.