The German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) are set to receive a fourth SIGINT (signals intelligence) vessel. The announcement was made by Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on September 14, 2026 during the keel-laying ceremony of the third Type 424 class ship at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast.
By Lars Hoffman / hartpunkt
The Bundeswehr’s capability profile includes a SIGINT vessel, the minister stated. “Last week, in close coordination with the Inspector of the Navy and the Inspector of Cyber ​​and Information Domain Services (CIR), I set the course for a fourth sister ship of the Type 424 class,” Pistorius said in Wolgast. Now that this technically sound decision has been made, the matter will proceed to the parliamentary approval process, the minister announced. “The order is on its way to Parliament.”
According to him, the SIGINT vessels (designated locally as “fleet service vessels”) represent a strategically “extremely important capability” for the entire armed forces. The first vessel is scheduled to enter service in 2029. The Type 424 is equipped with modern reconnaissance technology to provide information on the military situational picture. The German Navy and the CIR Command are working closely together on the deployment of the ships.
For the Wolgast shipyard, operated by Rheinmetall Naval, the announced procurement is likely to send an important signal, given the uncertainty surrounding its future following the cancellation of the F126 frigate project. Pistorius emphasized the great importance of the German shipbuilding industry to the German Armed Forces.
Rheinmetall CEO Armin Papperger stated at a press conference following the speech that his company intends to supply ships to other partners besides the German Armed Forces, including the new GMF 140 frigate. He expressed his hope that the German Armed Forces would also consider this frigate concept. Rheinmetall presented the GMF 140 last month as a multi-domain frigate type designed to also be capable of intercepting ballistic missiles. Papperger further explained that the German Armed Forces also have a need for mine warfare vessels and small, agile boats.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
