Due to the changed tasks of the German armed forces some of the Fast Patrol Boats are replaced by corvettes. This new type of ship for the German Navy allows worldwide deployment in multinational crisis response forces. The corvettes are optimized for naval surface warfare tasks in the littorals.
The construction of the units places particular emphasis on survivability. This is achieved by minimizing the radar and infrared signature as well es redundant employment of mission critical systems. The flight deck enables the deployment of helicopters for surveillance and reconnaissance beyond own sensor horizon. The units are equipped with the missile system RBSI5 Mk3 enabling the German Navy for the first time to attack land targets at long range.

In addition to anti-ship missiles and artillery, which are typical for fast attack craft, these units are equipped with the RAM system, which provides enhanced anti-missile defence and capabilities to attack air and surface targets at short range. The highly integrated IT systems allow for simultaneous engagement of five targets.
Together with the capability to deploy decoys and an electronic warfare suite this ensures a high degree of sustainability and survivability. The GEPARD- class fast patrol boats are capable of information and situation picture exchange almost in real time via data link and satellites in a national or multinational environment.

The class 206 A submarines were commissioned between 1973 and 1975 and underwent a major upgrade in the early 90s. Due to their small size and lowsound radiation they are extremely difficult to detect. In addition they are highly manouvreable. To provide protection against mines, they are built of non-magnetic steel. They are capable of launching a total of eight wire-guided torpedoes and laying 24 bottom mines. Due to their small dimensions and good depth keeping capability they can still operate submerged in depths of approximately 20 meters.

The class 212 A submarine signifies a great leap in conventional submarine technology. This new class is fitted with an air-independent propulsion System (hydrogen-oxygen fuel cells). Its signature (noise. magnetism, radar, infrared and pressure) is significantly reduced compared with other conventional submarines. The pressure hull is built of non-magnetic steel of high strength and resilience. Its main armament is the newly developed, wire-guided DM 2A4 heavyweight torpedo, a further development of the DM 2A3 SEEHECHT torpedo, which had already been installed on class 206 A submarines.

The OSTE-class Fleet Service Vessels have been designed as highly efficient early warning, communications and reconnaissance plattforms, capable of operating independently as well as within an operational and communications network with other German and international units and agencies. These units are equipped with state-of-the-art electromagnetic, hydro-acoustic and electro-optical detection devices and, in the past have repeatedly been successfully employed in strategic intelligence gathering in crisis areas. With their operating range of over 5,000 nm they are designed for extended reconnaissance missions. In addition to their permanent crew, communications personnel and other specialists for electronic reconnaissance may be embarked depending on the situation and mission. The ships are based in Eckernförde.

This minehunter is a dual-role vessel that is able to carry out both minelaying and minehunting operations. It is based on the standard FRANKENTHAL-class platform. To perform its primary role of minehunting it relies on a state-of-the-art TAKIS minehunting command and control System and a minehunting sonar used to detect and engage bottom mines and moored mines by means of an expendable drone (SEEFUCHS) which is unique. In addition, a mobile clearance diving unit can embark on the vessel.

Like the ships of the KULMBACH and ENSDORF-class, the FRANKENTHAL-class ships are built from non-magnetic steel and use a common technical platform. The vessels are equipped with a DSQS 11 M sonar featuring a digital signal processor and synthetic display. The minehunters are armed with two PINGUIN B3-type remotely operated vehicles.
The crew comprises specially trained clearance divers who can identify and destroy mines. To be able to treat diving casualties on the spot, the ships are equipped with a decompression chamber. The BAD BEVENSEN, GRÖMITZ, BAD RAPPENAU and DATTELN are designated for mission of the naval protection forces from 2008 onwards.

The ENSDORF-class minesweepers and the SEEHUND type remote-control solenoid sweeps make up the TROIKA PLUS system. According to the method of employment, up to four unmanned SEEHUND drones with activated minesweeping equipment are controlled from the minesweeper. For reasons of safety, the control vessel itseif remains outside the minefield. lt is equipped with a mine avoidance sonar to detect moored mines, a control and steering device for the four remotely controlled solenoid sweeps, SEEFUCHS expendable drones and mechanical minesweeping equipment to clear moored mines.

The landing craft utility is the fleet‘s workhorse. lt is used for personnel and materiel transport by sea and is also suitable for minelaying operations. The BARBE-class vessels are the only Navy vessels on which chief petty officers perform the duties of commanding officers. These two vessels are under command of the Navel Specialized Forces in Eckernförde were they are based

The ELBE-class tender is designed to supply smaller units at sea with fuel, water or ammunition and to provide maintenance support. Another important task is the disposal of waste. The crew encompasses System support group members from the respective boat squadrons, who have containerized workshops and spares holdings at their disposal. The landing deck can be used tor helicopter operations.

The SACHSEN-class ships are designed as multipurpose frigates for escorting and area protection and accommodate helicopters. Their sensors and weapons are optimized to fulfill their primary tasks, i.e. force command and extended air defense. Similar to frigates of the BREMEN- and BRANDENBURG-class, the shipborne helicopter is employed in long-range anti-surface and antisubmarine operations. With the delivery of the SACHSEN-class frigates, the Navy has received a particularly versatile and robust means of naval warfare.

The BRANDENBURG-class frigates are primarily 4 designed tor anti-submarine warfare and force command and control. The SEA LYNX shipborne helicopter is not only used primarily for antisubmarine operations, but is also employed in sea surveillance and antisurface warfare. The ships are equipped with etficient radarsystems for surface and air surveillance, fire control and navigation. Sonar systems, tactical picture and data transmission systems, electronic wartare systems and advanced communications technology specially designed tor command and control tasks complete their array of equipment.

Like the BRANDENBURG-class frigates, the BREMEN-class frigates are high performance vessels. Their main tasks, are anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. The SEA LYNX shipborne helicopter is employed in anti-submarine operations, and also in long-range sea surveillance and anti-surface warfare Operations.

The BERLIN-class support ships render support to Navy task groups, the composition of which depends on their tasks. Here, the focus is on logistic and medical support by the combat support ship. The ship‘s main logistic task is to supply the units with fuel, consumables, provisions and ammunition. In addition, the combat support ship performs the following tasks:

• Medical support by accommodation of a containerized mobile naval surgical hospital, referred to as MERZ

• Operation of two shipborne helicopters

• Transport, management and handling of containers

• Accommodation for support personnel

• Provision of we!fare facilities

• Environmentally compatible disposal of sewage and waste

Auxiliaries ensure the supply of fleet units at sea. Depending on the mission assigned to the individual units, the auxiliaries are specifically equipped and manned for this purpose. Apart from the selfdefence weapons aboard the BERLIN-class ships which are manned by military personnel, auxiliaries are not equippeci with weapon systems. Additional auxiiiary squadron classes are:

• WESTERWALD-class supply ship

• WANGEROOGE-class ocean tug

• WALCHENSEE-class replenishment tanker

Many units are former merchant ships or were built to merchant marine standards. Where necessary, equipment and Systems were adapted to military requirements.

Only recently upgraded, the P-3C ORION provides the Bundeswehr with enhanced capabilities in terms of long-range reconnaissance and command support in joint and combined Operations. The ORION is a state-of-the-art weapon system which will also in the future allow successful conduct of classical tasks such as sea surveillance and engagement of underwater targets. Its Flight Operations started in Nordholz in 2006. The P-3C ORION replaces the 40-year-old BREGLIET ATLANTIC BR 1150 aircraft.

The SEA KING helicopters have provided outstanding service in their daily support of the fleet as shipborne helicopters of the combat support ships and in their SAR role. Both at sea and on land, they are the workhorses of the German Navy. ln a joint approach, Naval Air Wing 5 has the following tasks:

• Search and rescue (SAR)

• Airlifting personnel/staff material

• Disaster relief

• Tactical transport in the littorals

• Evacuation operations

• Maritime surveillance and reconnaissance