Germany upgrades minehunting vessels
Atlas Elektronik will modernise three minehunting vessels of the German Navy under an order announced on 21 December. The contract, signed with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw), is worth €78.5 million.
The Germany Navy is carrying out a project to equip the Frankenthal class (Type 332) vessels with the Integrated Mine Counter Measure System (IMCMS) and Atlas Elektronik’s SeaFox mine disposal vehicle. The vessels will also be given the ability to control the Seehund remotely operated vehicle. A shore-based training and testing facility will also be established.
Between 2009 and 2012, Atlas Elektronik fitted out five Frankenthal class vessels with the IMCMS and SeaFox. With this phase of the programme, a further three vessels will be modernised. The remaining two boats will be used as mission platforms for mine clearance divers.
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