Construction begins for German Navy’s final Class-424 intelligence vessel

Rheinmetall Naval Systems has commenced construction of the third and last vessel in the German Navy’s Class-424 intelligence fleet at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, Germany.  

The company reports that the steel-cutting phase began ahead of schedule, with representatives from the German Armed Forces (Bundeswehr) witnessing the event. 

The new intelligence vessel, intended for use by both the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIR), marks the final addition to the planned trio of Class-424 ships.  

Its construction follows the earlier start of work on the two preceding vessels in the series. 

Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), the main contractor for the programme, conducted the steel cutting for the second vessel in September last year.  

Following Rheinmetall’s acquisition of NVL, the military shipbuilding arm of the Lürssen Group, in March, the business is now integrated with Rheinmetall’s naval systems division. 

Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division CEO Tim Wagner said: “At this point, all ships of this class are under construction. This is far more than just a technical milestone—it is a strategic signal.  

“In the current geopolitical security environment, which is changing faster than ever before, we, as an industrial partner, are doing our part to accelerate strengthening defence capabilities. Speed is now a security-relevant factor—and this is exactly what we are focussing on.” 

Designed for maritime intelligence-gathering, the 130-metre Class-424 vessels are equipped with advanced sensor systems in line with updated military standards.  

The keel for the first ship was laid in February last year. 

Once the Class-424 series is completed, these three vessels will replace the Bundeswehr’s existing OSTE-class units.