Keel Laid for First Class 424 Fleet Service Boat by NVL Group
The first of three new fleet service boats, Class 424, was laid down today at the Wolgast Peene shipyard, part of the NVL Group. This marks a key step in enhancing the Bundeswehr’s reconnaissance and electronic warfare capabilities. The boats will play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and are integrated into Germany’s cyber and information space (CIR), with the Navy providing operational support.
Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Inspector of the German Navy, emphasized the strategic importance of these units for Germany’s maritime security. The Class 424 boats will feature advanced technology, including the ability to carry drones, helicopter landing capabilities, and provide at-sea replenishment (RAS). These innovations will extend their operational capabilities and ensure they meet future security challenges.
Each of the 130-meter-long boats will be staffed by 50 soldiers, with an additional 50 personnel dedicated to reconnaissance tasks. The fleet service boats will replace the aging OSTE-class vessels, which have been in service for over 30 years. The new boats are expected to be delivered by 2029 and will significantly enhance the German Navy’s reconnaissance and strategic capabilities.
The new fleet service boats are designed to meet the latest military requirements and will play an integral role in the future of Germany’s naval operations, providing enhanced reconnaissance capabilities worldwide. With their state-of-the-art sensor systems and flexible design, they are set to become a vital component of the Bundeswehr’s defence strategy.
QinetiQ Germany and HENSOLDT Strengthen UAS Partnership
QinetiQ Germany has expanded its partnership with HENSOLDT to enhance capabilities in uncrewed aerial systems, with ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH acting as the prime contractor. The collaboration, which builds on years of successful cooperation in airborne radar and reconnaissance technology, will focus on three main areas: capability enhancement, military uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) of category IIa, and certified training and testing.
The partnership will play a key role in QinetiQ’s Global Threat Representation strategy, supporting the German Armed Forces and other security agencies with advanced UAV solutions. HENSOLDT, recognized as a certified body by the German Armed Forces Aviation Office, will contribute to the development, certification, and training of remote pilots for civil uncrewed aircraft.
QinetiQ and HENSOLDT are strategically positioned with key locations in Bavaria and Schleswig-Holstein, further strengthening Germany’s drone technology capabilities. HENSOLDT will act as a recognized training and testing centre, providing extensive support to the German Armed Forces, particularly for flight target presentation, prototypes, and system demonstrators.
Both companies are committed to enhancing national security and fostering innovation in uncrewed systems. This expanded partnership is a significant step in advancing Germany’s defence capabilities and positioning Bavaria as a leading hub for drone technology.
Germany Invests in POLARIS Hypersonic Spaceplane Technology
POLARIS Spaceplanes, a German aerospace company, has been awarded a contract by the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to design a two-stage, fully reusable hypersonic research vehicle. This contract also includes options for manufacturing and flight testing the full-scale vehicle.
The vehicle, featuring horizontal take-off and landing, will serve as a testbed for hypersonic technologies and a platform for scientific research. It is also capable of acting as a small-satellite launcher when equipped with an expendable upper stage.
POLARIS emphasized that the project would help advance hypersonic technologies, which enable vehicles to exceed Mach 5 speeds. These technologies are crucial for defence applications, including missile development and reconnaissance.
The development of this reusable hypersonic system aims to reduce the cost of high-speed flight tests while advancing Germany’s defence and aerospace capabilities. It is expected to open new opportunities for both military and space access.
Teledyne FLIR Wins $15 Million Black Hornet 4 Contract
Teledyne FLIR Defence has secured a $15 million contract to supply its Black Hornet 4 Nano Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) to the German military. The deal, facilitated by European Logistic Partners (ELP) GmbH, will enhance the Bundeswehr’s reconnaissance and tactical capabilities.
The Black Hornet 4 is a lightweight, advanced nano-drone designed for covert surveillance, delivering real-time intelligence to frontline forces. Its compact design, low noise profile, and encrypted communications make it ideal for high-risk operations.
Teledyne FLIR noted growing demand for Black Hornet systems across Europe as security challenges intensify. The drones are already used by several NATO members, highlighting their value in enhancing battlefield awareness.
With this latest contract, Teledyne FLIR and ELP further strengthen their roles in Europe’s defence market, as more nations adopt miniature UAS technology to support modern military operations.