Indo-Pacific Deployment has begun

The task force provider "Frankfurt am Main" departs from Wilhelmshaven, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" from Rota in Spain.

EGV "Frankfurt am Main" before leaving Wilhelmshaven. Photo: U. Mergener

It is a major undertaking, not a normal training trip abroad, but actually an "operation". That's what the inspector of the navy wants it to be called. It is a demonstration of the Federal Republic of Germany's clearly formulated security, economic and climate policy interests, as set out in the German government's Indo-Pacific Guidelines. It is about safe sea routes and compliance with the rules-based order at sea.

This voyage is in no way confrontational, but fundamentally diplomatic - a foreign and security policy signal to the neighbours of the Indo-Pacific region that Germany offers itself as a partner. Vice Admiral Jan Kaack reiterated that following the successful voyage of the frigate "Bayern", the German Navy is now honouring its motto "regionally rooted and globally committed". Together with the German Air Force, the Navy will be deployed for several months between the west coast of America and the east coast of Africa.

The Navy has set five priorities for its Indo-Pacific deployment this year.

Firstly, the Travelling on international shipping routesin order to preserve the freedom of the sea lanes in accordance with the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. The open question of whether the Taiwan Strait will also be used has not yet been answered.

Secondly, a contribution to the Monitoring the UN embargo against North Korea.

Thirdly, the joint Participation of the Franco-German Naval Association (DEFRAM) in the European Union's maritime presence in the Western Indian Ocean.

Fourthly, various Sea manoeuvres with partners in the region - including RIMPAC, the largest naval exercise in the world.

And fifthly, the military-diplomatic harbour visits along the route to deepen international relations.

Press conference BM Boris Pistorius, VA Jan Kaack and GL Ingo Gerhartz. Photo: U. Mergener

The naval unit, consisting of a frigate and a task force provider, will also partially embark around 200 officer candidates during the voyage. In addition to the regular crews (150 EGV and 120 F125), the unit will also include embarked staff and operational elements. Together with the naval battalion, the naval aviators, liaison officers and staff elements, there will be around 500 men and women at sea at all times. This does not include the liaison elements in the harbours and supply points. Representatives of the press may also be partially embarked.

After the commander led a tour of the seaworthy ship with the Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius and his Parliamentary State Secretary Siemtje Möller, accompanied by the inspectors of the Air Force, Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, and the Navy, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, the departure muster and signing off of the unit took place on the helicopter landing deck. To mark the departure of the "Frankfurt am Main", the air force flew a flyby of A400Ms and two Tornados and two Eurofighters over the harbour facility. And of course - no casting off for any length of time without the traditional accompaniment of the Naval Music Corps. It will be a long journey with long absences, but also many unforgettable moments in foreign countries, encounters with global partners and personal experiences for the crew, officer trainees and embarked members of other commands. Behind everything is the wish for a healthy return in the autumn of the year.

Almost at the same time, the frigate "Baden-Württemberg" was bid farewell in Rota/Spain by Rear Admiral Stephan Haisch, Commander Naval Forces and Head of Operations at the Naval Command. The air force was also there with a flyby by a Spanish A400M and four accompanying Eurofighters - two Spanish and two German - for the frigate's departure. The following two video sequences show the event in Spain.

Indo-Pacific Deployment 2024 of the German Navy. Graphic: MarKdo

The frigate ''Baden-Württemberg'' bids farewell to Rota, Spain, videos: S. Haisch