Category: Security policy

1TP5Understanding the sea: Major powers redefine their interest in the Arctic

The Arctic has increasingly become the focus of public attention in recent years. But even in German-speaking countries, it is no longer climate change alone that characterises interest in the High North. There are more and more reports and features from the Far North that talk about new ports, shipping routes, c and re-militarisation. But what exactly is going on in the northern polar region? Is it all about raw materials? Are we facing a new cold war on the northern flank? What are the drivers of these developments and who is pursuing which interests? In a loose series of articles, the...

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1TP5Understanding the sea: Task force supplier BONN

Innovations and technologies of the third EGV The third EGV was handed over to the German Navy with the ceremonial commissioning of the task force provider (EGV) BONN on 13 September 2013 in Wilhelmshaven - externally similar to the first two sister ships BERLIN and FRANKFURT AM MAIN, but technically a clear innovation. The new task force provider BONN is characterised by the further development of a concept that has proven itself in service through technical progress, coupled with an economically optimised design and a consistent focus on the future tasks of the Bundeswehr and the German Navy. Task force providers Task force providers ensure the logistical and medical support of mixed task forces at sea. Their equipment, capabilities and crew ensure...

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1TP5Understanding the sea: 7th Maritime Colloquium

Around 80 guests from politics, business, science, associations and the navy accepted the invitation of the German Maritime Institute (DMI) to the 7th Maritime Colloquium in Wilhelmshaven on 18 June under the guiding theme of "Maritime Innovation & Digitalisation". The event, which was jointly organised by DMI, griephan, the German Naval Association and Flotilla 2, was also kindly supported by the city of Wilhelmshaven. The maritime atmosphere at the ATLANTIC Hotel provided a good opportunity to catch up with old acquaintances and make new contacts. The President of the DMI, former Vice Admiral Hans-Joachim Stricker, welcomed the guests and congratulated the Mayor of Wilhelmshaven, Andreas Wagner, on his 150th birthday....

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1TP5Understanding the sea: Cross shots - lateral thinking - change of course?

We have carefully read the article on the 59th Naval Historical-Tactical Conference in the current issue of MarineForum. We were particularly interested in the reference to the presentation "Cross-shots - lateral thinking - change of course: Jimmy Mann's Sylt Fleet": "Vice Admiral Hans-Joachim Mann made a decisive change of course in 1991 at the beginning of his appointment as eighth inspector of the navy, which became known as the "Sylt Fleet". This came at a time of disorientation in defence policy and Admiral Mann was often accused of being 'too quick'. ... This led to lively discussions among conference participants from the first ranks who were involved in these events as contemporary witnesses or had experienced them." Let's first ask what the "You're too fast" was referring to: To the inability of an entrenched apparatus to change course or to a lack of intellectual foresight on the part of fellow campaigners? We prick up our ears when the argument is made that nothing should be put on the table in advance without promises. It is also true that those who do not change will be changed! As always, it is a question of moderation and balance. You have to recognise the signs of the times early on. Today, the main drivers of change are demographics and technology (artificial intelligence/autonomous systems/cyber). How many marines will still be at sea in the future? All in all, we are more likely to be on the side of uncomfortable lateral thinkers than of streamlined lords of the sea. And this Bundeswehr currently benefits from constructive lateral thinking...

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#me understand: Federal Police Sea: From 40 mm to 57 mm

How times change! In the days of the East-West confrontation, the seagoing units of the Federal Border Guard had eight boats in the Baltic Sea that were equipped with 40 mm guns. In the event of a conflict, they were to be transferred from the Baltic Sea to the German Bight to escort incoming Atlantic convoys on the final stretch. The end of the Cold War and the need for the peace dividend led to the Federal Police Sea being "demilitarised": The 40 mm Bofors were disarmed. In the context of increasing international missions and the maritime fight against terrorism and piracy, the question arises time and again as to whether the...

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