The German Navy will kick off its Indo-Pacific deployment of one frigate and one auxiliary in May this year. German Navy Chief (Inspector of the Navy) Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack revealed this detail in a recent episode of Bundeswehr-produced Q&A “Nachgefragt”. As reported previously, the German Navy in 2024 is going to conduct another sail to the Indian and Pacific Ocean, following up from the 2021-deployment of F123 frigate F217 “Bayern”.
Second long distance-cruise for German Navy after 2021.
The “Bayern” from August 2021 to February 2022 visited a number of countries in the region, including Australia, Singapore, Japan and the US-territory of Guam. “Bayern” also sailed through the South China Sea, although the frigate did not conduct a Taiwan Strait-transit nor did the ship dock in China after related diplomatic difficulties between Berlin and Beijing. The 4,500 ton ASW-frigate then returned the same way she sailed to the region via the Red Sea and the Mediterranean to her homeport in Wilhelmshaven.
Two vessels to conduct new cruise around the world.
The upcoming deployment will feature a number of changes, including apparently the direction of travel. Selection for the new cruise fell on one of the newest ships in the German Navy, the first of class F125 frigate “Baden-Wuerttemberg”. The 7,200 ton F125-class has experienced a number of development difficulties. The ship has also faced significant criticism over the very bespoke design of a “low intensity warfare”-combatant. The idea behind their inception was to perform missions of up to two years duration in theatre. The Navy envisioned the relevant threat level as shaped by counterinsurgency-, antipiracy- and other stabilization task-environments. Nevertheless, given the political and diplomatic focus of the German Indo-Pacific-deployments and the nautical distances involved F125 is seen by some observers including the Navy as the most effective design for this mission.
In addition to the “Baden-Wuerttemberg” the German Navy will send the “Berlin”-class combat supply ship “Frankfurt am Main”. Unlike “Bayern” on her solo cruise the F125-frigate will therefore benefit from the underway replenishment and support capabilities of a 21,000 ton-supply ship designed for long distance and out of area-operations. Both ship types are also capable of supporting the new NH-90 “Sea Lion” naval utility helicopters. The German Navy however has not specified the type and number of helicopters embarked for the journey so far. “Bayern” had two Mk88A “Super Lynx” onboard for her sail in 2021.
Participation in various exercises, but schedule not yet confirmed.
Another distinct difference to the 2021-deployment will be the general character of this new cruise as a “round the world”-trip. Kaack explained that both ships are to transit the Panama Canal. The flotilla will go on to participate “in a number of big exercises” with partners in the Indo-Pacific region. Ports of call named by the Navy Chief include Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore. The ships will likely first head for Hawaii after transiting the Canal to participate in RIMPAC 2024 in July. Neither vessel so far appears on the list of participants for the exercise. Previous reporting suggests that the Navy intends to meet up with the Luftwaffe, which is also sending aircraft to Hawaii. Another visit to Australia is likely also part of the journey. A precise outline of the journey should be available over the coming months.
The German Navy has not revealed further details or an exact schedule on this years Indo-Pacific deployment so far. This includes the issue of a visit to China and whether a Taiwain Strait-transit is in the cards. Kaack’s comments on “Nachgefragt” emphasize the German “Guidelines for the Indopacific” and the National Security Strategy. The Navy Chief highlighted “aggressive behavior” by China and concerns of German partners in the region. As such Berlin’s political position may leave significant room for speculation in these regards.
Last but not least details are lacking on the degree of coordination between the German Navy and other European partners. Italy too intends to participate in RIMPAC 2024 and looks set to send a formation around the aircraft carrier “Cavour”. The French Navy also plans to send the “Charles de Gaulle” nuclear powered aircraft carrier to the Indopacifc this year. As such the announced deployments suggest a substantial European presence in these waters in the later part of the year.
