(pressebox) (Düsseldorf, 16.04.2026) Today, at the Peene-Werft shipyard in Wolgast, the first steel cutting for the third and final Class 424 intelligence vessel in the series officially took place in the presence of representatives from the Bundeswehr (the German Armed Forces). The steel cutting took place much earlier than planned. Once commissioned, the intelligence vessel will be used jointly by the German Navy and the Cyber and Information Domain Service (CIR).

“Beginning the steel cutting early means that all ships of this class are now under construction. This is far more than just a technical milestone—it is a strategic signal. In the current geopolitical security environment, which is changing faster than ever before, we, as an industrial partner, are doing our part to accelerate strengthening defence capabilities. Speed is now a security-relevant factor—and this is exactly what we are focussing on,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of Rheinmetall’s Naval Systems division.

The approximately 130-metre-long Class 424 intelligence vessels will serve the German Armed Forces as reconnaissance platforms for maritime-based intelligence gathering and are equipped with state-of-the-art sensor technology. Their design meets the latest military requirements for future-proof naval ships.

The total of three new vessels will eventually replace the units of the OSTE class.