Frigates SACHSEN-Class (Type 124)
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.

Frigates BRANDENBURG-Class (Type 123)
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.

Frigates BREMEN-Class (Type 122)
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.

Combat Support Ships BERLIN-Class (Type 702)
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
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.