"Planet: Homecoming from the Aegean:

Research vessel "Planet" back in Eckernförde

The research vessel Planet of the Bundeswehr Technical Centre 71 is part of the The research vessel Planet of the Bundeswehr Technical Centre 71 is part of the NATO support mission in the Aegean Photo: Bw

On Tuesday, 15 July 2025 at 10 am, the research vessel "Planet" will return to Eckernförde. After leaving on 1 October 2024, the research vessel "Planet" was part of the NATO support mission in the Aegean Sea.

Nine months and 29,224 nautical miles later, it's time for a Balance sheetIt was the first time that the navy had carried out this mission with a research vessel as its flagship. It attracted attention in the region and aroused the curiosity of the local nations. It was also a novelty for the predominantly military crew, as nobody was familiar with this class of ship and everyone had to be trained. In addition to fulfilling the mission, the changing crew had to be constantly retrained. It is a small crew and almost everyone was entrusted with more than one task. I will long remember the motivation and enthusiasm with which many people came on board who didn't know the ship at first and with what a heavy heart they left. These people made this mission possible with their commitment and this team spirit was simply wonderful." This is what the Captain Marie-Christine Hardt.

The combat and support units previously entrusted with the task were therefore severely stretched in terms of time. In order to increase the German Navy's room for manoeuvre, it was decided to supplement the German Navy's military forces with suitable civilian units. The research vessel "Planet", particularly with its capabilities in the area of sea endurance and the necessary means of telecommunication, was identified as an outstandingly suitable unit.

The truth is that the capabilities of tenders, task force supply ships and even frigates and minesweepers that were previously deployed in the Aegean were simply not fully utilised. Therefore, one can speak of a poor resource approach. Now the security policy tide has turned and the priorities are elsewhere. The inspector of the navy also made this clear during his presentation at the Navy Talks in May. He was very impressed with the "Planet" and revealed at the time that he intended to Planet in the fleet of the German Navy to be included.

And: it is a great cooperation between the German Navy and the Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw). It shows what is possible when you come up with creative solutions. The mix of civilian and military components can certainly be criticised, but in practice it was successful. The "Planet" was subordinated to the 3rd Minesweeper Squadron as the lead unit, which has been providing boats as command platforms in the NATO organisation since the beginning of 2024.