German Navy gets reconnaissance ships with AI and cyber specialists
The German Navy plans to put three new ships with special AI capabilities into service by 2029. Such ships are becoming increasingly important.
This is what the future Class 424 fleet service boats for the German Navy will look like
(Image: NVL Group)
The navy will receive three new fleet service boats equipped with various AI technology by 2029. They will play an important role in military reconnaissance at sea. The keel has now been laid for the first of the three new Class 424 fleet service boats at the Peene shipyard in Wolgast.
According to the Bundeswehr, the main task of such boats is to carry out telecommunications and electronic reconnaissance. By gathering and evaluating information, the fleet service boats support cyber defense capabilities.
AI and more on board
The new generation of fleet service boats is equipped with electronic, hydroacoustic and electro-optical sensors. According to the Bundeswehr, this sensor technology enables more efficient monitoring of the electromagnetic spectrum over land, air and sea and improved information gathering. The sensors use technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence to evaluate large amounts of data in near real time and extract targeted, militarily relevant information.
The use of AI and big data analysis is therefore intended to improve decision-making and route optimization. The Bundeswehr refers to forecasts according to which 90 percent of all newly built ships will have AI functions by 2030. Efficient, unspecified propulsion technologies and various automation systems are intended to reduce the burden on the environment and the crew.
Cyber specialists on board
On February 25, the keel of the first ship was ceremoniously laid at the Peene shipyard and construction began. The inspector of the Bundeswehr's Cyber and Information Space (CIR) sub-force, Vice Admiral Dr. Thomas Daum, said at the ceremony: "Our fleet service boats in particular, operated by the German Navy and operated in reconnaissance by soldiers from the Cyber and Information Space sub-force, are a highly effective, indispensable strategic reconnaissance tool for war-capable armed forces. I am therefore delighted about the keel laying of the first Class 424 fleet service boat."
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According to the Bundeswehr, the military personnel in the CIR division are responsible for defending against cyber attacks and ensuring information security. In addition, they collect and analyze relevant data from the digital space in order to support decision-making. Another important aspect is the training of specialists and research in the field of cyber security. The CIR sub-force works closely with other national and international institutions to strengthen cyber security throughout the country. Overall, it makes a significant contribution to ensuring the Bundeswehr's ability to act in the digital age and to protecting Germany against threats from cyberspace.
Other nations' armed forces also have their own cyber departments, such as the US Cyber Command in the USA. The new US Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, ordered a halt to planning for any cyber activities relating to Russia this week. This also applies to activities in Europe.
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