Germany to order fourth new signals intelligence ship

Germany will seek parliamentary approval to order a fourth Type 424 signals-intelligence ship, Defence Minister Boris Pistorius announced during the keel-laying of the third vessel at Rheinmetall’s Wolgast yard. The ships are designed to collect and analyse communications, electronic emissions and acoustic information that other platforms may not detect. Adding a fourth hull would improve availability and persistent coverage, but the budget request is not yet an authorised contract. The German Navy expects deliveries of the new class to begin in 2029, replacing ageing fleet service ships used for maritime reconnaissance.