Battle boats, the time has come.....

It has been discussed for years: does the German Navy need combat boats? The pros and cons have been debated at length in the marineforum, and the manufacturers' offers have been presented in detail. The fact that they are needed has now been reflected in the intention to procure them. The Bundeswehr intends to purchase multi-purpose combat boats for the naval battalion. The Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support has published a corresponding invitation to tender on the European procurement platform TED. "These boats are required for amphibious, military evacuation, escort, patrol and harbour protection operations. In addition, equipment for storage and transport, spare parts, documentation and training courses will be procured," the publication states.

The intention is to conclude a framework agreement with the bidder for a total of up to 15 multi-purpose combat boats. Due to the urgency, the procurement of "off-the-shelf" boats that are "already in service in another navy - ideally in a navy of a NATO member or partner state" is also required. As a development solution has been ruled out, observers of the project assume that it will come down to a duel between the "Watercat M18 AMC" system from Finnish manufacturer Marine Alutech and the "Combat Boat 90" from Swedish company Saab. Both systems have been introduced in the respective armed forces.

Watercat M12 from the Finnish manufacturer Marine Alutech. Photo: MAOA

But the fact is that there can be no boats "off the shelf", only finished plans. And since the German Navy will be making its own demands on these systems that have already been introduced, the Swedes and Finns would also have to go back to the virtual "3D drawing board". And this raises the question of whether the German suppliers who could build such boats would not be able to bring something available to the water just as quickly. Ideas and plans are also on the shelf at German shipyards on the Warnow and Weser rivers.

It is also exciting to see what the overall package will look like, because boats alone are not enough. Where will they be stationed, stored and maintained? At which ramp will they be brought to and from the water with which trailer vehicles? In addition to the infrastructure issues, such as hall construction, there is the recruitment and training of personnel, the development of tactics, operational principles and procedures. The Navy's functional schools, the Naval Technical School (MTS) and the Naval Operations School (MOS), will also be involved. The project is not a "quick procurement", it is the introduction to a new weapon system that requires a holistic approach. This will take time. But hopefully no more than that.

Text/Edit: Geiger/Schlüter