Rheinmetall, through its naval arm Naval Vessels Lürssen (NVL), has initiated production of the third and final Type 424 SIGINT and reconnaissance ship for the German Navy. The construction phase began ahead of the planned timeline, highlighted by a steel-cutting ceremony at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast with participation from defense officials.
The Type 424 fleet is scheduled for delivery between 2029 and 2031 and will replace the long-serving Type 423 Oste-class vessels. Equipped with advanced maritime sensors, the new ships will enhance Germany’s ability to conduct intelligence gathering and maintain continuous surveillance in both domestic and allied operational zones.
In addition to naval deployment, the platforms will be operated by the Cyber and Information Domain Service, which manages cyber security, digital operations, and electronic warfare functions across Germany’s military.
The Type 424 design includes a 132-meter hull capable of housing around 100 personnel. It incorporates modern electronic intelligence systems for monitoring surface and underwater domains, along with defensive systems and low-noise propulsion to support covert missions. The new vessels represent a significant upgrade over the 84-meter Type 423 ships, which rely on older-generation SIGINT and communications technologies.
