Category: Security policy

It doesn't always have to be an import

In some sub-Saharan African countries, a shipbuilding industry is emerging that can also fulfil military orders. The Republic of South Africa is leading the way. Although African navies continue to import the majority of their equipment, a few countries on the continent have their own shipyard industry that specialises in both the maintenance and production of ships and boats. In general, the African market is limited to smaller units up to the size of an Offshore Patrol Vessel (OPV) and growth prospects for local shipyards are largely limited to the regional level. One exception is the shipbuilding industry in the Republic of South Africa, which is also globally...

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Six partners, one mission

The Navy at the Maritime Security Centre Cuxhaven The Maritime Security Centre (MSZ) in Cuxhaven is the result of a wide range of considerations to increase maritime security and pool expertise. The federal structure of the Federal Republic of Germany requires complex and creative solutions in order to be able to react effectively and efficiently when necessary. Various concepts have been repeatedly thought through and implemented in stages. Two coastguard centres were established in Neustadt and Cuxhaven following a decision by the German parliament in 1994. Subsequently, the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Agriculture and the Ministry of the Interior decided to set up a coordination network for law enforcement forces, although this did not constitute a separate office. The interior ministers of the five coastal states agreed...

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Keep war away from Swedish soil

A land war has been raging in Ukraine since 24 February. What maritime conclusions can be drawn from this for the Swedish navy? Almost in step with the German government, Sweden has announced its intention to increase defence spending to two percent of gross domestic product over the next few years - up from the current meagre 1.1 percent. Although television images and news reports mainly show ground battles, from a Swedish perspective there are also important maritime aspects that justify a closer look. A war of aggression requires huge amounts of supplies. It seems that despite months of preparation, existing transport infrastructure and a long border with Ukraine, the Russian forces are having difficulty...

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Do you have any sounds?

Tattoo, ceremonial pledge, units leaving: Marching music is immediately associated with them. A look into the orchestra pit of the Kiel Naval Music Corps. A sunny day in Kiel. The Gorch Fock sails in again. The music corps, led by Lieutenant Captain Inga Hilsberg, marches onto the Gorch Fock pier to the beat. Arriving at the berth, brief corrections are made, then familiar sounds are heard to welcome the ship. Change of scene. The former dining hall at the naval arsenal in Kiel serves as a rehearsal room. However, it is actually just a poor makeshift solution for the lack of space in the Wik. The Kiel version of a botched infrastructure measure. People gather on the floor of the room before the dress rehearsal...

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Cold start capable

Thanks to highly motivated soldiers and modern, ready-to-use ships, Flotilla 2 can react flexibly to current operational requirements. Nevertheless, there are major challenges, particularly in the area of personnel. In this interview, the commander of Operational Flotilla 2, Flotilla Admiral Axel Schulz, talks about the problems involved in implementing the Soldiers' Working Hours Ordinance and his wishes for modern equipment for the ships. marineforum: How are the EZ/AZ operational training projects progressing in terms of content and also infrastructure? Axel Schulz: The Operational Training Centre Multidimensional Naval Warfare (EAZ MD SeekFü) project continues to make good progress in terms of installation, operation and the associated infrastructural measures. With effect from 1 April 2022, the...

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