The modern units of the Saudi Navy. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (al-Mamlaka al-ʿarabīya as-saʿūdīya) is an absolute monarchy that occupies most of the Arabian Peninsula between the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. The country, which has been undergoing a major social upheaval for several years, is one of the richest states in the world. The...
After numerous hints and confusion, the Iranian navy officially unveiled its first nationally developed and built reconnaissance ship "Zagros" at the end of January. Here too - as is often the case in the Iranian shipbuilding programme - a tried and tested ship type was simply modified in order to fulfil new tasks: A Mowj-class corvette (95 metres, 1,500...
Six years ago, the MSC Zoe lost several hundred containers in the North Sea - and for hours the crew didn't notice. Researchers are now working on how to minimise the extent of such accidents. Six years ago, the "MSC Zoe" was one of the largest container ships in the world: a good 395 metres long and...
Eight decades after Allied soldiers crossed Germany's last bulwark - the Rhine - under fire to breach German defences, US soldiers gathered once again on the banks of the river to commemorate the historic crossings together with active duty, veterans and German soldiers. To the musical accompaniment of an army band...
The Dutch government has signed a contract with Fugro N.V. and Damen Shipyards for the chartering of a modern patrol vessel with a civilian crew. The new Damen Fast Crew Supplier 5009 (FCS) "state vessel" is due to enter service in the second quarter of 2025 and will be responsible for providing situational awareness in the exclusive economic zone of the...
The "HMS Audacious" had to wait a whole two years for necessary work on the outer hull before it could finally move into dry dock number 15 in Devonport as part of its shipyard repair phase. The fourth attack boat in the seven-unit Astute class (97 metres long, 7,500 tonnes submerged) needed to be refitted after a year in service...
Many companies are developing new combat boats or equipping tried and tested ones with modern technology for autonomous use. One of the pioneers is Team Germany with Tamsen, Hagenuk and Hensoldt. In the wake of changing security policy challenges and the changing requirements for modern maritime deployment concepts, the further development of combat and operational boats is becoming increasingly important...
Unlike other navies, the German Navy also tests its units against shock effects while they are in operation - and underway. However, this rarely happens. At the end of February, it happened again: "Courbet", one of the five La Fayette-class frigates (124 metres, 3,800 tonnes) with almost 30 years at sea under its command, was...
In recent decades, Western navies have had little experience in treating casualties in combat. Land-based operations by the US armed forces therefore form the basis for today's on-board medical concepts. When preparing for the big battle during the Cold War, combat operations were expected to last a few hours.
In the Red Sea, the frigate Hessen successfully defended itself against a ballistic missile launched by the Huthi rebels. However, the frigates are not actually equipped to defend against such weapons. "Surprise always comes where you didn't expect it." With this quote from Wilhelm Busch, Lieutenant Captain Marius Werth, 1st Air Defence Officer, opened the...
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