Overview
- The third and last Type 424 intelligence ship, which began steel cutting Thursday at the Peene‑Werft yard in Wolgast, started production in a ceremony attended by Bundeswehr officials.
- Rheinmetall said the milestone came ahead of schedule and stated that all ships of the class are now in build.
- The three‑ship, €3.3 billion program will replace Germany’s 1980s‑era Oste‑class reconnaissance vessels.
- Each 130‑meter ship is designed for maritime signals collection with advanced sensors, though the exact systems have not been disclosed.
- Once commissioned, the ships will be operated by the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service, with related training facilities expected by 2027.