German Navy publishes ‘Kurs Marine 2025' plan

A graphic depiction of the German Navy's Niedersachsen (F 126)-class frigates. All six are expected to be in service by 2035 according to the ‘Kurs Marine 2025' document. (Damen)

The German Navy (Deutsche Marine) has published its ‘Kurs Marine 2025' (Navy Course 2025) document outlining its vision for the German naval fleet of 2035.

The document includes several major acquisitions, including the Type 127-class frigates and new unmanned combat craft, with manned-unmanned teaming, long-range maritime strike, and underwater protection also identified as priority areas. The document also states that there is a need for more naval units, more personnel, and an increased operational tempo.

2035 fleet

‘Kurs Marine 2025' includes the acquisition of six Type 127-class frigates, to be supplemented by three unmanned Large Remote Missile Vessels (LRMVs) by 2035. The two platforms are to be responsible for air-defence and maritime strike tasks. It is also planned that the frigate fleet of 2035 will include six Niedersachsen (Type 126)-class frigates (currently in build), while three to four Baden-Württemberg (Type 125)-class frigates will remain in service. The former will undertake anti-submarine warfare (ASW) tasks and the latter will focus on anti-surface warfare (ASuW), with both classes to also be capable of maritime strike. The in-service Brandenburg (Type 123) and Sachsen (Type 124) classes will have been retired by about 2035, according to the document.