Berlin September 15 (QNA) - German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius announced the start of the steps to build a 424-class reconnaissance vessel, noting that the parliamentary consultations necessary to purchase the vessel and agree on its construction with the German company Rheinmetall are currently underway.
A statement by the German Army quoted Pistorius as saying that the new planning of the capabilities of the armed forces identifies a need for four vessels of this category, while three vessels are currently being built. He noted that the identification of reconnaissance needs was carried out in coordination with the naval commands and the cyberspace and information sector.
The German Defense Minister said that the reconnaissance vessels represent "Germany's eyes and ears on the high seas," at a time when the need to enhance information superiority is increasing, pointing to their importance in supporting the ability to make sound defense decisions to confront what he called "Russian hybrid warfare."
A statement by Rheinmetall, the manufacturer of the group of reconnaissance vessels, said that the delivery process will start gradually from 2029, with the aim of securing maritime reconnaissance capabilities over the coming decades.
The statement explained that the advanced sensors will allow the monitoring of electromagnetic signals emitted from land, air and sea, while specialists in the cyberspace and information sector will work on collecting and analyzing information to support the assessment of the military situation.
The four new vessels will replace three old reconnaissance ships that entered service between 1988 and 1989 and operated in the North, Baltic, Mediterranean and Black Seas, as well as the Horn of Africa and the Atlantic and Caribbean Oceans. (QNA)