Status and succession planning
The present decisions on the reorientation of the Bundeswehr and thus also the navy are aimed at a strict operational orientation of the armed forces. Based on the concept of the Bundeswehr, the German Navy has continued to orientate itself towards its new tasks. The German naval forces contribute to military operations by protecting deployment and redeployment and enabling or securing access to the respective theatre of operations. They support their own forces operating on or over land from the sea and ensure the use of the sea as a base for joint operations (Basis See).
Combating enemy naval forces in national or alliance defence, especially those that threaten the territorial integrity or sea routes and lines of communication of its own operations, therefore remains the German Navy's primary task. Combat capability as the highest requirement for personnel, material and training is the benchmark for operational readiness. A direct territorial threat to Central Europe and thus to Germany using conventional military means is unlikely in the foreseeable future in view of Germany's geographical position in the extended European area of stability. International conflict prevention and crisis management therefore remain the most likely tasks for the Bundeswehr in the foreseeable future. However, the defeat of a military opponent may also be necessary to separate conflict parties. In order to fulfil these tasks, armed forces deployed to deal with crises and armed conflicts must be capable of fighting across the entire intensity spectrum and be able to escalate and assert themselves.
The German Navy must therefore have the ability to operate over long periods of time and over long distances, both nationally and in a multinational context and under threat off foreign coasts. It must be able to operate not only against targets above and below water, but also against targets on the ground in support of land forces. Among other things, this requires the German naval forces in general to be equipped with modern and powerful sea/land and air-to-air missiles (LFK).
Effect against targets above water
In accordance with the framework conditions described, naval units must be capable of acting against targets above water and conducting operations on the high seas. This includes the capability for combined surface and underwater warfare as well as naval warfare from the air. The naval forces must also be capable of selective, precise and graduated action against even partially militarily organised forces on the high seas, in their own and, above all, in the enemy's territorial sea. The necessary combat capabilities require the targeted and selective use (precision and discrimination capability) of weapons both at short range and at safe distances (stand-off capability) in order to remain as far as possible outside the effective range of enemy weapons.
Effect against targets on the ground
Within the framework of multinational, joint force and networked operations, naval units contribute to the effect against targets on the ground with their capabilities through sea-based weapons effects on land. They must be capable of preparing and/or supporting the deployment of land forces. This includes the capability for precise sea-based weapon effects on land for operational purposes, primarily at long range, as well as in the context of joint tactical fire support (STF) from sea to land, primarily at short and medium range.
The navy currently has no capabilities for precise sea-based weapons action on land at long range against mobile targets. With the procurement of the LFK Robotsystem 15 (RBS15 Mk3) on board the Korvette 130, however, opened up the possibility of action against stationary targets on land even at long range.
In future, range-enhanced and terminal-phase guided ammunition (e.g. GPS-guided ammunition) will be available for introduced 127 mm calibre weapons. This allows land targets to be engaged at medium ranges and with a graduated effect. By updating the target coordinates after firing and by tracking, this ammunition can also be used to engage mobile targets.
The introduction of a heavy land targetLFKcomparable to the US Tomahawk system, is not currently planned for the German Navy.
Effect against airborne targets
Harpoon missile immediately after launch. (Image: Navy)
Apart from the ability to fight with offensive potential, naval and maritime units must be able to protect themselves and other units against threats from the air and contribute to air defence (ADF) with their forces. The LFK of the air defence system are intended to provide protection for the unit at long and medium range and self-protection at close range.
The ability to defend against threats from the air is an essential prerequisite for maintaining the operational spectrum of German naval forces and the survivability of floating platforms. The ability to protect itself within the framework of anti-ship missile defence (ASMD), as a prerequisite for survivability and assertiveness under threat, can only be achieved by setting up two strike fronts with a range optimised for the respective range. LFK can be achieved. This is particularly the case if the maxim "Engage before Launch" (combating the opponent's LFK-carrier units before the start of their SZ-LFK) by the association protection (e.g. by the LFK Standard Missile 2 (SM-2)) was not feasible. The first engagement within the framework of ASMD usually takes place at close range up to approx. 10 nm, a second engagement takes place at close range up to approx. 4 nm. This requires a mix of missiles with different homing methods in order to counter the threat posed by modern sea targets equipped with different homing heads.LFK to do justice to them.
The German Navy's air defence frigates are currently equipped with two air targets and the Class 124 frigates, which are specially designed for force protection, with three air targets.LFK equipped. This approach of a "LFK Mix" ensures the engagement of aerial targets by means of several complementary search head variants and kinematic conditions. LFK-systems and thus follows the required principle of "echeloned air defence".
The fleet in its target structure
For the provision of the necessary capabilities and the associated quantification of the sea target/land target and air targetLFK is the derivation of the scope of existing and new LFK-carriers of the navy.
As envisaged in the target structure LFK-The following platforms must always be considered when deriving the type and number of FK requirements:
- 11 frigates (4 x cl. 123, 3 x cl. 124 and 4 x cl. 125)
- 6 multi-purpose combat ships class 180 (MKS 180)
- 5 corvettes cl. 130
- 6 submarines class 212
- 8 Maritime patrol aircraft (MPA)
- 30 naval helicopters
Based on the current fleet planning, all 8 units of the Class 122 frigates will be decommissioned by 2020. The first multi-purpose combat ships (MKS) 180 are scheduled to enter service in 2019+.
General sea destination (SZ)- / land destination-LFK Demand
Due to the sometimes contradictory requirements for a precise and selective effect that is as effective as it is graduated, and which must be both assertive and capable of withstanding extremely heterogeneous sea and land targets, from an operational point of view this cannot be achieved with a single LFK reach.
However, since the operational assumptions are based on the assumption that the required effect against surface targets, depending on the tactical situation in the mission, places demands either on the penetrating capability or on the precision and selectivity of the weapon, differently designed and dimensioned missile systems are required accordingly. These will be referred to below as "heavy missile systems".LFK" for higher requirements in terms of range and explosive power and "Medium SZ-LFK" with greater precision and target selection capability.
For the surface units with offensive potential of the navy, the following approach results for arming with "heavy SDLFK":
- Frigates 8 EA Heavy SZ-LFK
- Multi-purpose battleship Upgradeability approx. 6-8 EA Heavy SZ-LFK
- Corvettes 4 EA Heavy SZ-LFK
In addition, the armament with "Medium SZ-LFK" to be provided:
- Frigates 6 EA Medium SZ-LFK (BHS-supported)
- Multi-purpose combat ship Upgradeability approx. 6 EA Medium SZ-LFK (BHS-supported)
- Corvettes 4 EA Medium SZ-LFK (on-board)
For the surface units of the German Navy with offensive potential, the following can be calculated in this way for both LFK-types, a total requirement of around 160 "Medium SZ-LFK" - on-board and BHS-supported - and around 180 "heavy-duty SZ-LFK" can be derived from this. As space requirements for the MKS 180 are currently only to be held in reserve for possible retrofitting, this weapon system does not generate any immediate additional demand for sea/land target LFK.
For the submarines, the requirement for a graduated/scalable effect against surface targets and also against individual land targets in the coastal area can only be met by providing a light effector that can be fired under water for the near and next range in addition to the existing, target-destroying heavyweight torpedo. This can probably be realised by a LFK The scope of procurement is primarily orientated towards the requirement to protect submarines from enemy helicopters and Maritime Patrol Aircraft (MPA) and thus towards the effect against airborne targets.
General air target (LZ)-LFK Demand
MM38 (Image: Marine)
The above-mentioned surface units of the German Navy with offensive potential require air-target (LZ)LFK-systems in sufficient numbers to remain effective in intense and complex combat situations with enemy formations. Class 124 frigates, as units optimised and designed for the air defence role, must be able to achieve sufficient effectiveness against a wide variety of air targets at all ranges. The required "defence in depth" to ensure the assertiveness and survivability of the units requires an effective mix of LZ-LFK systems that cover both the long and medium range for area and association protection, as well as LZ-LFK for use at close range and in close proximity for self-protection.
The need for operationally necessary LZ-LFK is based on the requirements described above. It amounts toLFK 2,000 units, with the short- and medium-range LZLFK around 600 and for the long-rangeLFK For the submarines class 212, a similar operational requirement of about 35 underwater firing LFK from. These should also have the sea/land target capability described above.
The Navy's guided missile systems and their possible successor systems
But what is the current situation of the German Navy's missile systems? First of all, it should be noted that, with the exception of the combat and telemetry missile systems already delivered for the Class 130 corvettes, the German Navy's current missile systems are not yet available.LFK RBS15 Mk3 all other existing sea targetLFK with offensive potential against sea and ground targets of all other units will reach the end of their service life in the foreseeable future due to emerging obsolescence and ageing of the energy components.
According to current plans, the last remaining Sea SkuaLFK of the on-board helicopter (BHS) Sea Lynx MK 88 A over the next two years at LFK-firing sections. No LFK successor system is currently being planned. For a new naval helicopter, however, the ability to fire "medium SZ-LFK" demanded.
The sea targets still deployed on board the frigates Kl. 123 and the remaining fast patrol boats Kl. 143A wereLFK MM38 Exocet will reach the end of its useful life in 2015.
NATO Sea Sparrow (Image: Navy)
The lake destinations that have been in use since the 1980sLFK of the Harpoon Block 1C type are currently deployed on board the frigates Class 122 and Class 124. In future, they will also be fitted on board the Class 125 frigates and as an Exocet replacement on board the Class 123 frigates. The Harpoon Block 1C can be used until at least 2025, depending on a programme to eliminate existing obsolescence. Due to the conversion of the US Navy's extensive Harpoon Block 1C stocks to Block 2, the German Navy's Harpoon Block 1C can generally be supplied until after 2025 thanks to the spare parts that will then be available.
In addition to the shoulder-launched Fliegerfaust 2, the LZ-LFK Rolling Airframe Missile (RAM), NATO Sea Sparrow Missile (NSSM), Evolved Sea Sparrow Missile (ESSM) and Standard Missile 2 (SM-2 IIIA) are available. The service life of the Fliegerfaust 2 ammunition is guaranteed until 2025 and Germany has been participating in the international "Future Stinger Capability Working Group" since mid-2012 to develop the requirements for a successor system.
The LZ-LFK RAM Block 0 for the next area will expire at the end of its useful life from 2013. The end of the specified useful life for the LZ-LFK RAM Block 1A will be reached from 2023. With RAM Block 2, the RAM will be adapted to the capabilities of modern maritime navigation systems.LFK. It will be procured in a number of approximately 450 systems between 2013 and 2019. A further development of the RAMGuided missile was necessary to counteract the increased agility of a new generation of anti-ship missiles. This significantly increases the probability of being hit at close range.
However, the survivability of the platform is only guaranteed if as many targets as possible can be successfully engaged in the first hit front at close range. The LZ-LFK The NSSM will be withdrawn from use as a short-range air defence system when the F 122 class is decommissioned by 2020. The NSSM is currently also being installed on the F123 class frigates. Here, a modification project to convert to the LFK ESSM from 2014 in order to economically maintain the capability portfolio of this weapon system and to ensure the service life of the NSSM for the F122 class.
The LZ-LFK ESSM, the successor system to the NSSM, was initially developed in 2005 for the Class 124 frigates as a short-range system.LFK procured. From 2014, the F123's NSSMs will be replaced by ESSMs as part of an ammunition exchange programme. The ESSM will have reached the end of its economic service life around 2025 due to existing obsolescence. Replacement procurement after the end of the ESSM's service life is therefore urgently required. Economically, technically and structurally, participation in the Risk Reduction Phase of the international consortium for the development of the ESSM Blk 2, which has been running from 2010 to 2014, is a solution for maintaining this capability. At the end of December 2012, Germany took the decision to participate in this risk assessment.
With the procurement of the SM-2 IIIA, the F124 frigate will continue to be the only carrier with the capability for group and area protection in the medium term and will be able to make a maritime contribution to air defence. In the context of integrated air defence, these frigates are a capability carrier that is not only assigned to maritime operations. As part of joint force operations, these units also contribute directly to air defence within the alliance framework. Particularly during initial operations near the coast, these units are exposed to a threat from the air, which can be countered by the SM-2 IIIA, which covers the long- and medium-range. The expected economic service life of the SM-2 IIIA depends on outstanding cooperative utilisation decisions within the international user cooperation. However, it is guaranteed until around 2025.
Outlook
The decommissioning of the LFK Sea Skua, MM38 and NSSM will share the LFK-The resulting savings in the area of utilisation costs. The resulting savings in the area of utilisation costs and the concentration on fewer, more active LFK-pattern can then potentially free up resources to support the development/deployment of a "Medium SZ-LFK" / SZ/LZ-LFK for the submarines and the urgent succession planning for the LZ-LFK ESSM and SM 2-III A systems. For economic reasons, international co-operation should certainly be sought.
In the area of succession planning for the "heavy-duty SZ-LFK" has succeeded, with the support of the former Defence Directorate in the BMVg, in securing budget funds for just over 50 "heavy-duty SZ-LFK". In view of the very tight financial framework, this can be seen as an initial success. The same applies to the "Mittlerer SZ-LFK". There, the company has succeeded in LFK from the minimum calculated requirement of 160 LFK in the medium-term financial planning.
In conclusion, it should be noted that - even if the unit figures listed for LFK-systems are below the required minimum equipment - the Navy has taken a significant step forward with the Bundeswehr plan from 2013 and the decisions on the upcoming succession planning are now being prepared quickly in the new structure.
Author: Harm-Dirk Huisinga
Frigate Captain Dipl.-Ing. Harm-Dirk Huisinga works in the Naval Command, Planning/Conception Department, WE Impact Division
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