The Investor
16 Apr 2026, 19:43
Rheinmetall AG has begun production of the third and final Class 424 intelligence vessel ahead of schedule, marking a key milestone in Germany’s naval modernization program.
The steel-cutting ceremony took place at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, signaling that all three vessels in the series are now under construction. The ships, measuring around 130 meters, are designed as advanced maritime reconnaissance platforms equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology.
Once completed, the vessels will be jointly operated by the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service, replacing the aging OSTE-class fleet. Rheinmetall stated that the accelerated timeline reflects the growing importance of speed in strengthening defense capabilities amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.
The steel-cutting ceremony took place at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, signaling that all three vessels in the series are now under construction. The ships, measuring around 130 meters, are designed as advanced maritime reconnaissance platforms equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology.
Once completed, the vessels will be jointly operated by the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service, replacing the aging OSTE-class fleet. Rheinmetall stated that the accelerated timeline reflects the growing importance of speed in strengthening defense capabilities amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical environment.