In order to counter the growing threat from Russia, the German Navy is working on increasing the combat power of its existing fleet.
By Lars Hoffman / Hartpunkt.
To this end, stronger and more far-reaching effectors are to be used on all naval platforms, as Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Inspector of the Navy [Ed. Note: Chief of the German Navy] explained to journalists at the second Navy Talks in Berlin today. “We are currently examining the installation of Tomahawks on units of our navy. And that doesn’t look bad at all,” said the inspector. He did not give any further details.
The introduction of this weapon would be a far-reaching step. Apart from the U.S. Navy, only a few naval forces of close allies have so far used this powerful cruise missile, although it is intended to be fitted to the future Type 127 frigates. According to well-informed sources, the missiles could be placed on a Type124 and Type 123 frigates, provided they have the Strike variant of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System. The system is large enough to accommodate a missile the size of the Tomahawk.
At the same time as the press conference, the navy today presented its modified strategic orientation, entitled “Kurs Marine” in response to current developments. It states that the navy wants to position itself better for the “strike inland” – maritime strike. This is directed against the enemy’s military structures deep inland, the authors write.
And further: “In the Baltic Sea, the Navy makes an important contribution to cross-dimensional operations with maritime strike capabilities and supports the other branches of the armed forces. It will be ready to eliminate long-range enemy weapon positions (A2/AD threat) from the sea, including on land, in the event of defense.” To date, the K130 corvettes in particular have been equipped with RBS 15 anti-ship missiles for use in the Baltic Sea, which can also be used to attack land targets. However, due to their range, this is unlikely to be a true deep strike capability like the Tomahawk offers.
In order to expand its maritime strike capabilities, the navy “needs to expand the strike capability of all suitable units in the short term – especially submarines, in order to be able to use this capability covertly from where the enemy does not expect it.” This includes the integration of modular, containerized weapon systems on existing ships and vessels, according to the paper. However, the strategy paper does not specify which stand-off weapons the navy intends to equip in its submarines and ships.
According to “Kurs Marine”, it is also crucial to quickly and significantly increase the amount of ammunition available. In the long term, the navy needs means for maritime strike that are effective from surface combatants at long and great distances. “These will be supplemented by fast, difficult-to-detect and unmanned platforms above and below the water. These can be used to strike from short and medium distances and significantly reduce an opponent’s reaction time.” Such platforms should be as standardized as possible and available in large numbers.
In Berlin today, Kaack also announced that he would soon be getting involved in the procurement of the BlueWhale autonomous underwater vehicle, which was tested “very, very successfully” last year. The pre-stationing of ammunition is also planned. Good talks are being held with Norway and Sweden in this regard. According to him, the German naval vessels are to be comprehensively equipped with drones according to the motto: “Every unit, a drone carrier.” According to the Admiral, the “Future Combat Surface System” (FCSS) will be the lighthouse project in the current year.
Another topic for the navy is the “cross-functional” introduction of existing Bundeswehr systems. For example, a containerized version of the IRIS-T SLM air defence system is to be tested in live fire on a Type125 frigate in the autumn. If this is successful, Kaack intends to look at other systems currently in use by the army, air force and CIR for use by the navy. The aim is to quickly increase the combat effectiveness of the fleet. The navy does not shy away from unconventional measures. For example, its new ocean-going tugs are to be equipped with new means of communication, mine rails and “other” equipment, and the research vessel ‘Planet’ is to be used by the navy to secure the maritime infrastructure.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at Hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
