Berlin is moving toward expanding its future signals intelligence fleet with plans for a fourth Type 424 vessel. The announcement came as Rheinmetall laid the keel for the programme’s third ship ahead of schedule at the Peene-Werft yard in Wolgast. German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius disclosed the proposed fourth ship, although the project still requires parliamentary approval and budget allocation. The additional platform would add to Germany’s planned fleet of maritime intelligence vessels intended to collect and process data across multiple operational domains. The new Type 424 class is being developed to replace the German Navy’s 1980s-era Type 423 Oste-class ships. Deliveries of the new generation are currently planned from 2029 through 2031. Construction of the second and third Type 424 vessels is taking place at the same time in Wolgast. After the construction phase, they will move to Blohm+Voss in Hamburg, where final equipment installation, integration and testing will be completed. Advanced Intelligence PlatformThe Type 424 is intended to provide broad electromagnetic-spectrum surveillance covering activities originating from land, sea and air. The ships will use advanced sensor systems supported by artificial intelligence and automated controls to improve their ability to collect and process information. Cyber and Information Domain Service personnel will operate alongside naval crews. Their responsibilities will include analysing intercepted electronic signals and supporting Germany’s wider digital defence activities. Each vessel measures 132 metres (433 feet) in length and can accommodate up to 100 personnel. This represents a considerable increase in size compared with the 84-metre Type 423 Oste-class ships. Those vessels entered service with SIGINT, early-warning and communications technologies developed around Cold War operational requirements.
