Delivering goods by sea. - The minister is seeking to acquire two additional warships.
The German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) drove nails into the keel of the first brand-new warship of the F126 class on Monday. This event took place in Wolgast. Joining him were the Minister Presidents Manuela Schwesig (SPD) of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern and Stephan Weil (SPD) of Lower Saxony.
Pistorius claimed that the keel-laying marked a significant step in the journey to the new warship category. He described the "Niedersachsen" as a pivotal moment representing Germany's dedication to international stability and the competitive edge it offers.
The future warships of the F126 category are set to be the most significant combat vessels in the German Navy's history. They also constitute the most expensive shipbuilding endeavor in the history of the Bundeswehr with a total cost of over five billion euros. The cost may rise. According to Pistorius, "We need six of these warships, not just four."
Pistorius asserted that the need for a quick re-equipping of the Bundeswehr is of utmost importance. The security situation has shifted drastically in recent years. "Today, we must invest in our naval fleet of the future, not tomorrow or a day after tomorrow," he commented. The new F126 ship marks a significant change and sends out a strong message, Pistorius added. "With six of these warships, we'll be not only deployable but also resilient."
The Bundestag needs to make a decision concerning the two remaining contracts by June. "I hope that Parliament will pass the necessary resolution in time by the end of the month," stated Pistorius. This will pave the way for new contract agreements. "The estimated cost of the two additional warships will be around three billion euros."
The Federal Defense Minister also stressed the importance of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in the context of the shipbuilding project. "By maintaining our key technology shipbuilding in Germany and expanding it, we're securing expertise and creating employment," he noted.
President Schwesig of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern endorsed Pistorius' suggestion of constructing a fifth and sixth warship. "This would be an important signal for the Navy and for the military shipbuilding industry, as well as for this location." The region's shipbuilding and maritime industry is just as vital to the coast as the Baltic Sea itself. "This is the engine of our industry," she stated. There are numerous lucrative jobs and training positions to be found in this sector. It is essential to maintain these skills. "This day is of great significance for the people of the region, for the confidence in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and for rural areas."
Representatives from the industry voiced their agreement with the construction of two more warships. "We are prepared and ready to ramp up production completely," said Tim Wagner, the managing director of NVL Group.
These ships will be designed for worldwide deployment and comprehensive support for three-dimensional naval warfare. Pistorius explained that the F126 can "engage targets underwater, on the surface, and in the air with the most up-to-date weaponry."
Under the guidance of the Dutch shipyard Damen Group in Wolgast, Kiel, and Hamburg, the assembly of the expected four battle ships will mainly happen in Germany. Around 65 German subcontractors are involved in the project. The "Niedersachsen," which was laid down today, is slated to be delivered to the Navy from the shipyard starting in 2028.
During the ceremonial keel-laying, a souvenir coin and a euro coin were placed under the keel of the ship as per tradition. A special 10-euro coin featuring the ship's godmother Niedersachsen was used for the frigate "Niedersachsen."
