After three decades, the remaining FRANKENTHAL-class mine countermeasure units are nearing the end of their intended service life. Updates are now to enable further operation.

Over the course of the 20th century, underwater explosives for combating surface vessels and submarines were continuously developed. At the same time, the development of effective countermeasures also continued to progress. The use of sea mines and sea mine defence are therefore directly linked and influence each other. Various systems and techniques have been established that are used depending on the threat situation and environmental conditions in order to meet the challenges of sea mine defence. Using towed mechanical clearance devices