On Sunday, 1 March 2026, the Frigate „Saxony-Anhalt“ under the command of frigate captain Daniel Läzer from the foreign mission UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) to her home port of Wilhelmshaven.

The aim of the mission was to support the Lebanese armed forces in monitoring their maritime border and thus contribute to the stability of the region. In addition, the long-standing training of the Lebanese navy was again continuously supported and promoted.

Crew cohesion is the key to success

Cohesion on board once again proved to be a reliable basis for a successful mission. „The operation was characterised by professionalism, commitment and a strong team spirit,“ summarised the commander. „Various internal events boosted morale and camaraderie,“ he continued. Summing up the mission, the commander also looked ahead: the „Sachsen-Anhalt“ will take part in national and alliance-related exercises and prepare for future missions in the course of 2026.

When the Frigate The Minister President of Saxony-Anhalt, Sven Schulze, will also be present. The Minister President will personally hand over the flag ribbon to the Frigate „Sachsen-Anhalt“ to. The Frigate was already on duty on the day of the award ceremony last year and was therefore unable to attend.

End of UNIFIL for the German Navy

The „Saxony-Anhalt“ has been replaced by the „Nordrhein-Westfalen“, which left Wilhelmshaven for the Mediterranean a fortnight ago. It can be speculated that this will be the last German ship to be deployed on the UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon) mission. UNIFIL has been an active UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon since 1978 to monitor the ceasefire with Israel. The German Armed Forces have been involved in the maritime mission since 2006 to secure the sea borders and train the Lebanese navy. The German mandate was extended until the end of June 2026. A further extension is currently not planned.