MQ-9 "Reaper" in action. Photo: USAF/Paul Ridgeway, public domain

The aim of this international exercise was not only to localise and defuse the legacy of war, but also to improve and strengthen cooperation between the allies, including the police and the Dutch coastguard. The focus is on optimising coastal defence as well as testing advanced technologies against modern threats such as sabotage of submarine cables or attacks on strategically important ports. The Joint Inter Agency Task Force - North Sea, which is responsible for this, led the maritime operation.

This year, the deployment of unmanned surface vessels (USV) and autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV), which were used for reconnaissance and mine clearance, was a particular focus. The Dutch Air Force's MQ-9 "Reaper" (General Atomics) armed reconnaissance drone was also deployed in the exercise area. The remote-controlled units make some of the work safer and less intensive for the divers. However, this does not mean that the divers become superfluous.

The Netherlands took part with the Alkmaar-class minehunting vessels HNLMS "Willemstad" (M 864) and "Schiedam" (M 860), the research vessel MV "Geosea" and the diving support vessel HNLMS "Nautilus" (A 853). In addition, the expeditionary survey boat HNLMS "Hydrograaf" (H8021) was tasked with mapping waters, harbours and shipping channels in the Wadden Sea. Belgium took part with the minehunting boat BNS "Lobelia" (M 921, Flower class) and Estonia provided specialists and material for explosive ordnance disposal.

The Sandy Coast exercise lasted just under two weeks this year and takes place annually, alternating between Belgium and the Netherlands. This exercise is more than routine for both countries, as it illustrates the extent to which current geopolitical conflicts interact and Europe's security also depends on security on the seabed.

kdk, SWZ Maritime

Der Beitrag Niederlande – Drei Marinen absolvieren gemeinsame Schutzübung erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The Indo-German submarine deal is worth around €7 billion and includes six modern submarines based on the Class 214 (72 metres long), which will be built in India. According to the Times of India, Spanish competitor Navantia with its S-80 design was the last bidder to be eliminated.

Negotiations are being conducted between the Indian state-owned Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, with the contract expected to be finalised within six months. The conventional fighter submarines are equipped with the air-independent propulsion system (AIP), which enables multi-week submerged cruises; a significant performance enhancement and reinforcement for the Indian Navy.

With Project 75 (I), the government wants to accelerate submarine production and ensure the operational readiness of the navy in the Indian Ocean, as the project is not only aimed at expanding the submarine fleet, but also at strengthening domestic capabilities in the design and manufacture of conventional submarines.

This move comes at a time when India is facing the twin challenges of modernising its fleet and countering the rapid expansion of China and Pakistan's navies.

kdk, The Times of India, THB

Der Beitrag Indien genehmigt U-Boot-Bau mit TKMS erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The F110 frigates of the Bonifaz class will replace the Santa Maria class and are intended for a wide range of maritime security and defence tasks. Rohde & Schwarz Spain has supplied a comprehensive external communication system that integrates modern HF and VHF/UHF technologies. Rohde & Schwarz Spain supplied a communication system with R&S Series4100 HF and Series4400 VHF/UHF as well as comprehensive engineering and logistics services. The collaboration between Rohde & Schwarz, Navantia Sistemas and the F110 programme office has enabled the development, which combines the latest technologies and optimised maintenance procedures. Rohde & Schwarz Spain has already equipped numerous platforms for the Spanish Navy.

Der Beitrag Deutsches Know How für Spaniens Fregatten erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

For the first time in the chronology of the war in Ukraine, the Kiev Navy was attacked and heavily hit by a Russian surface drone (similar to the Ukrainian Magura V) on 28 August 2025. The incident occurred at night in the delta of the Danube estuary. An analysis identifies this location around 30 kilometres upstream (around 3 kilometres west of Wylkowe) on the Ukrainian side of the Danube - the NATO border with Romania runs just a few metres away in the middle of the river! 

AGI "Simferopol", drone camera. Photo: Russian media

The medium-sized reconnaissance ship "Simferopol" (Project Laguna, 55 metres, 1,200 tonnes), built in Kiev according to the plans of the trawler type 502EM and only commissioned in 2021, was supposedly safely anchored there, probably without any further protective measures, when it was attacked and severely damaged. Although the majority of the up to 30 crew members - some injured - were brought to safety, two were killed and others are missing. According to Russian reports, the "Simferopol" sank, which Ukraine denies. 

The attack was recorded by the drone camera and also observed by a flying Russian drone over Ukrainian coastal territory; the video footage was posted online. The Russian Navy had practised these procedures during the major global manoeuvre "July Storm" immediately before the cancelled Navy Day parade (Saint Petersburg) at the end of July.

Russian video of the drones:

Watch video

Ukrainian drone attack in the Sea of Azov

The Russian attack was preceded by a Ukrainian drone attack on a Buyan-M FK corvette in the Sea of Azov. This attack was coordinated with a first drone against the sensors and a second drone directly against the superstructure. This is said to have damaged the ship and forced it to withdraw from its patrol mission, or possibly even to abort a Kalibr attack against Ukraine.

Small combat corvette "Zeleniy Dol" of the Buyan-M class. Photo: Michael Nitz

Video of the FPV drones (first person view) from suchomimus:

Watch video

The following video shows how a Kalibr rocket launch works:

Watch video

P-8A Poseidon with deployed sensor. Photo: telegram/bomber_fighter (rus)

Maritime surveillance Black Sea

The day before, a US Navy P-8A Poseidon coming from Sicily (NAS Sigonella) and equipped with the AN/APS-154 advanced airborne sensor had flown a reconnaissance mission across the Black Sea lasting several hours. For the first time, it was tracked down by a Russian Sukhoi interceptor, accompanied and documented with the sensor folded down.

Consequences

With all the unanswered questions about the use of this Russian drone right next to the border with NATO partners, far in the western part of the Black Sea, some staffs will have to reorient themselves with regard to maritime surveillance, the protection of civilian freight traffic and swarm attacks - not only in the Black Sea.

P-8A Poseidon with AAS AN/APS154. Photo: x/archer83able

Der Beitrag Ukraine: Erster Überwasserangriff einer russischen Seedrohne erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

It had been a topic of conversation on the coast for some time: would the German Navy's goals of planning a successor to the Class 124's air defence capability in the form of the Class 127 be compatible with the Norwegians' plans for a new frigate class? The positive signals from the submarine co-operation, which heralded a new era not only technically but also politically, gave rise to hope. The cooperation is also developing in an exemplary manner on a personal level. People like each other. But that has nothing to do with whether the product fits. And it doesn't for the Norwegians.

TKMS is not the loser

Norway has examined what is possible from France, Germany, the USA and the UK. It was not to be expected that Spain would be considered again. At the latest since the difficult and expensive procurement of the Fridtjof Nansen class and the settlement with Navantia over the "Helge Ingstadt" accident, this would have been impossible to explain to the Norwegian taxpayer. Kiel-based TKMS did not take part in the tender, which is why the statement from TKMS is not very excited: "With the current construction contract for four 212CD-class submarines, TKMS has a close, trusting and successful cooperation with Norway in the underwater sector. Two further boats are still awaiting a final decision in Norway. In the surface area, TKMS is ready for the procurement of the F127 air defence frigate by the German Navy, among other things. The Bundestag had already set the course for this at the end of 2024," said a spokesperson.

Type ship Type 26 "Glasgow", Photo: BAE Systems

European Partnership

Norway has now decided in favour of the Type 26. This gives Norway another strategic partner and triggers the largest investment in the country's defence capabilities. The purchase is not the end of the story: Norway and the United Kingdom are planning a binding agreement to cooperate on the acquisition, operation and further development of frigates in order to jointly strengthen security in the far north. Delivery is scheduled to begin in 2030. The United Kingdom pledges industrial co-operation to the value of the purchase, while separate agreements will be negotiated with industrial partners.

Classic frigate construction despite changes in naval warfare

The Norwegian Type 26 variants are specially equipped for anti-submarine warfare. That sounds "classic", but naval forces will be confronted with drone weapon systems in the future - including underwater. Opponents can dominate through mass and cost-benefit advantage. The associated fundamental reassessment of defence strategies in NATO, particularly in the maritime sector, has not yet been reflected here. We are curious to see how this will also be conceptualised for attack operations, as this is the first new frigate class in NATO to be planned based on the findings from the Black Sea.

Der Beitrag Norwegen beschafft Fregatten in Großbritannien erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

Frigate INS Tamal (F 71). Photo: Michael Nitz

After being christened "Tamal" in Kaliningrad at the beginning of July, India is preparing to integrate the eighth and final ship of the Krivak III frigates built in St Petersburg and Kaliningrad into its navy as the Talwar class (project 1135.6). The first three (Talwar 1st batch) had already been built in St Petersburg twenty years ago. The next three (2nd batch) were built and taken over in Kaliningrad in 2012 - including the last two "Tushil" and "Tamal" as the 3rd batch. However, it took a good ten years for them to mature on the helms near Yantar on the banks of the Pregel: originally started as the second batch of the Russian Admiral Grigorovich class, they could not be completed due to the failure of the gas turbine delivery from Ukraine. However, India was able to acquire these propulsion systems from the Ukraine and have them installed - it just took a while. India is building the next two units (Talwar 4th batch) itself at the Goa Shipyard in the south-west of the subcontinent - true to the slogan "Make in India". From the 2nd batch onwards, the main armament includes the BrahMos PJ-10 supersonic cruise missile developed in Russian-Indian cooperation with a range of 300 kilometres and a 300-kilogram effective load against sea and land targets.

Indian frigate "Tamal". Photo: Michael Nitz

The ship was officially put into service on 1 July 2025 with its christening in Kaliningrad. It set off for St. Petersburg at the end of July to visit the city for several days. It was originally planned to take part in the celebrations for the Russian Navy's birthday on 27 July 2025, but this was cancelled at short notice due to an imminent Ukrainian drone attack.

On its way to its new home, the eighth unit of the Talwar class passed the English Channel on 1 August 2025, heading west. The ship, which is powered by two gas turbines and has a maximum speed of 30 knots, visited Casablanca (Morocco) from 6 to 9 August 2025. After leaving Casablanca, "Tamal" carried out a Passing Exercise (PASSEX) with the Moroccan frigate "Mohammed IV" (FREMM class), before passing through the Strait of Gibraltar on 10 August 2025. Another PASSEX took place in the Mediterranean with the amphibious helicopter carrier (LHD) "Trieste" of the Italian Navy before calling at the port of Naples from 13 to 16 August 2025. During the PASSEX, communication exercises and maritime manoeuvres as well as CROSSPOL (mutual visits by crew members) and flight operations were carried out.

According to the Indian Navy, the 124.8 metre long and 4,100 tonne displacement frigate will visit several European and Asian ports on its way to its new home base.

Indian frigate "Tushil" (Talwar class). Photo: Indian Navy

Der Beitrag Indische Fregatte INS Tamal (F 71) auf Überführungsfahrt erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

The "Gerald R. Ford", which entered service on 22 July 2017, replaced the "Enterprise" as planned. The aircraft carrier CVN-80, which is already under construction, will again be named "Enterprise".

On the construction planning of the US aircraft carriers: U.S. aircraft carrier - modernisation

During a joint manoeuvre in the Caribbean, the German submarine "U 24" (class 206A) managed to approach the "Enterprise" unnoticed by the security vessels, successfully shoot a simulated torpedo fan at the carrier and photograph it through the periscope. This is according to a report published in the Hamburger Abendblatt in 2007. Are there any contemporary witnesses who can provide us with a picture for publication (with image rights)?

kdk, Stars and Stripes, Hamburger Abendblatt

Der Beitrag USA – weiterer atomgetriebener Flugzeugträger wird abgewrackt erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

Autonomous, persistent, networked

GREYSHARK™ is a heavy-duty AUV in the 6 to 8 metre class, weighing between 3 and 4.5 tonnes depending on the variant. The battery-powered "Bravo" version is suitable for short-term missions, while the fuel cell-equipped "Foxtrot" version has an endurance of up to 16 weeks or more than 10,000 nautical miles. With a top speed of over 12 knots, a hydrodynamic hull and ring propeller propulsion, GREYSHARK™ has high manoeuvrability and range.

The sensor system consists of 17 modules, including synthetic aperture sonar (SAS), multi-beam echo sounder, optical, electromagnetic and LiDAR components. An AI-based sensor fusion analyses the situation in real time. Acoustic modems from EvoLogics enable underwater swarm networking. GREYSHARK™ should be able to operate in groups of up to six vehicles in a coordinated manner without surfacing. This is made possible by an acoustic communication system developed by EvoLogics, which is based on dolphin-like sound communication and is designed to enable reliable data exchange as in a mesh network.

Sea trials in summer 2025 Photo: EuroAtlas.

Operational scenarios: Protection, reconnaissance, simulation

The system was designed to protect critical infrastructure, monitor sea areas and conduct covert underwater reconnaissance. It can patrol along pipelines, identify potential saboteurs or unknown underwater objects, mark objects and transmit information in real time. GREYSHARK™ can also be used as an "intelligent target" for submarine hunting and mine defence training.

The propulsion concept allows great depths and high persistence. The missions are autonomous, but can be accompanied at any time by a monitoring organisation on land or on board. Thanks to the ITAR exemption, the system can be exported without US authorisation and is interoperable with NATO command structures.

Rheinmetall's strategic foray into the maritime domain

The collaboration with EuroAtlas and EvoLogics pursues not only technological but also structural policy objectives. GREYSHARK™ is to become part of a comprehensive, digitally networked coastal defence system that Rheinmetall is building in various partner countries. The Battlesuite™ architecture serves as the backbone for these system-of-systems approaches, which integrate sensors, C2 components, AUVs and support networks.

In addition to system integration and sales, the cooperation framework also includes the joint further development and mission-specific customisation of future GREYSHARK™ variants. The aim is to integrate the platform into coordinated national coastal defence concepts - scalable, interoperable and demand-oriented. The partnership also emphasises a European production and logistics chain: design, construction, operation and return are to be anchored locally in order to ensure sovereignty and security of supply.

With GREYSHARK™ and Battlesuite™, Rheinmetall is tapping into the maritime sector. Previously known primarily for land and air elements, the company is now positioning itself as a provider of networked underwater systems. The goal: a digital, sensor-based situation picture from the depths to the air. With potential for further expansion - co-operations with navies, shipyards or the offshore industry.

GREYSHARK™ therefore has the potential to become a relevant addition to the deployment of modern naval forces, especially for securing maritime critical infrastructures or in the run-up to conventional conflicts.

Greyshark in action. Screenshot Video EuroAtlas/EvoLogic

Outlook

In the developing European market for autonomous underwater vehicles, GREYSHARK™ is competing with systems such as the Norwegian HUGIN, the French AUSS, the Swedish Sabertooth and, more recently, with developments from Helsing. The latter's Lura SG-1 is an AI-based glider for tactically flexible coastal missions. The Lura SG-1 is in a significantly different weight class to the GREYSHARK™ and follows a different concept - but both developments demonstrate the trend towards European autonomy under water.

GREYSHARK marks a significant step forward for defence and maritime experts. The system combines modern AUV technology (high autonomy, AI, swarm capability) with practical operational relevance for current threat scenarios in coastal waters and beyond. The integration into Rheinmetall's coastal defence systems and digital networking in the Battlesuite network mean that underwater data can stand on an equal footing with ground, air and surface sensors in the future. With GREYSHARK, EuroAtlas, EvoLogics (Berlin) and Fassmer Werft (Hülle) are also demonstrating the capabilities of the European defence industry in a highly innovative field. Without ITAR restrictions, GREYSHARK™ can be exported to NATO partners and EU states - while at the same time safeguarding key national technologies. For naval planners and political decision-makers, GREYSHARK should therefore not only be a fascinating technology project, but also a concrete tool for ensuring security at sea and under the sea in the 21st century.

Der Beitrag GREYSHARK™ – Unter Wasser ein Netzwerk von Rheinmetall erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

Frigate rotation: "Admiral Grigorovich" in the Baltic Sea

The frigate "Admiral Grigorovich" (type ship, 125 metres, 4,000 tonnes) returned to the Baltic Sea at the end of June after almost two years in the Mediterranean via the North Sea and Skagerrak. She is now stationed in Kronstadt/Saint Petersburg and reinforces the Baltic Fleet. On the one hand, the continued closure of the Bosporus prevents her from returning to her home fleet in the Black Sea, but on the other hand, the availability of a modern platform near the major city makes perfect sense, as her deployment against a presumably Ukrainian drone attack on the Kronstadt naval base on 27 July shows: The Baltic Sea is no longer a rearward theatre of operations for Russia.

Russian frigate "Admiral Grigorovich", summer 2025 in the Baltic Sea. Photo: Michael Nitz/NPS

Landing ship "Alexander Shabalin" in the Skagerrak

Between June and July, the landing ship "Alexander Shabalin" (Ropucha class, 112 metres, 4,400 tonnes) operated in the Skagerrak. The ship was equipped with a conspicuous number of searchlights, presumably for drone defence. The presence between the Baltic and North Seas and in the narrow sea lanes between NATO neighbours, combined with simulated combat exercises against mines and unmanned systems, underlines the adaptation of Russian naval operations to asymmetric threats.

Russian Ropukha landing ship "Alexandr Shabalin" in the Baltic Sea in summer 2025. Photo: Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service

Destroyer for Kaliningrad: "Vice Admiral Kulakov" accompanies Baltic Sea exercises

The Northern Fleet unit "Vizeadmiral Kulakov" (Udaloy I-class, 164 metres, 7,600 tonnes) operated in the Baltic Sea for several weeks - initially flanked by the frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" (see below). The destroyer took part in submarine hunting manoeuvres and showed an unusually active presence between Baltiysk, Gotland and the Gulf of Finland. The aggressive tracking of the German frigate "Bayern" during its journey to US BALTOPS caused a stir. Suspicions regarding a longer-term stationing of the "Vizeadmiral Kulakov" as the (interim) flagship of the Baltic Fleet do not appear unfounded, as the current Sovremenny-class destroyer "Nastoychivy" (156 metres, 8,000 tonnes) has not been seen underway for some time.

The Udaloy destroyer "Vitse Admiral Kulakov" in the Baltic Sea in summer 2025. Photo: Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service

Transit to the Mediterranean: "Novorossiysk" with escorts

On 21 June, the Kilo II-class submarine "Novorossiysk" (74 metres, 3,000 tonnes) left the Baltic Sea with the support of the ocean-going tug "Yakov Grebelsky", accompanied by the frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" as far as the Great Belt. However, the disparate convoy confirms Russia's ability to deploy conventional submarines over long distances - despite logistical gaps in the Mediterranean, where the loss of the Tartus base in Syria is clearly making itself felt. At the end of July, the "Novorossiysk" then operated west of Alexandria - Egypt apparently served as a logistical stopover. However, without a fixed base in Syria, range and technical endurance can only be ensured by escort vehicles such as the "Yakov Grebelsky". The deployment in the immediate vicinity of NATO bases on Crete and Cyprus emphasises Moscow's claim to also have a maritime presence and military impact in the Mediterranean - and that its range has remained intact. The conspicuous visibility of the transit through the North Sea, English Channel and Atlantic was probably also politically intentional: "We can still do it!"

Russian submarine "Novorossiysk" (Kilo 3 class) in the Ostee, summer 2025. Photo: Michael Nitz/NPS

"Admiral Kasatonov". Photo: Michael Nitz

"Admiral Kasatonov" back to the Northern Fleet after Baltic Sea interlude

The Russian Navy's most modern multi-purpose frigate (Admiral Gorshkov class, 135 metres, 5,400 tonnes, since 2020) was only in the Baltic Sea for a few weeks and also left the sea area on 21 June. Her visit coincided with the large-scale NATO exercise US-BALTOPS and was obviously for the purposes of presence and information gathering. The redeployment before 27 July - the "Admiral Kasatonov" was originally intended for the naval parade to mark the navy's birthday - points to a new risk assessment: the Baltic Sea is increasingly seen by Moscow as a threatened area in which high-value targets do not stay unnecessarily long if they can be more useful elsewhere.

The transfer of the "Admiral Kasatonov" to the Baltic Sea - at the same time as the destroyer "Vizeadmiral Kulakov" - probably served primarily to support the Baltic Fleet during exercises and demonstrative appearances. The ship, which belonged to the Northern Fleet, was then freed up again for strategic tasks in the North Sea, where it is of particular importance as a carrier of the Zirkon hypersonic missiles. Officially, the Zirkon can reach targets over 1,000 km away at many times the speed of sound and overcome modern air defences thanks to its manoeuvrability - a message that is often repeated to NATO countries. With the return of the "Admiral Kasatonov", this capability is once again available in the primary area of responsibility of the Northern Fleet, where the bulk of the Russian fleet is stationed, where Russia's most sensitive naval installations ('the Bastion') are located, and where the strategic North-East Passage begins.

The Gorshkov frigate "Admiral Kasatonov" in the Baltic Sea in summer 2025. Photo: Michael Nitz, Naval Press Service

Conclusion: Visible presence despite structural limits

The observed movements of the Russian units have tied up considerable resources and required careful planning. Moscow is thus underlining its claim to be a global navy operating beyond the Baltic and Mediterranean - as the current Sino-Russian manoeuvres in the Western Pacific also demonstrate. By deploying frigates, landing ships and submarines, Russia is emphasising its ability to act, responding to new threats (drones) and countering NATO's increased presence at sea.

H. U. Mergener, Michael Nitz, ajs

Der Beitrag Russische Marineoperationen im Sommer 2025 erschien zuerst auf marineforum.

A beautiful sight that could be seen from the banks of the Elbe

The "Libertad" is the sail training ship of the Argentinian navy. The three-master, rigged as a full-rigged ship, moored at the jetties in Hamburg at midday. The ship will stay until Friday and then leave Hamburg at 10.00 am. There are 292 sailors on board. Like the German Navy's "Gorch Fock", officer candidates are being trained on the Libertad.

The ship can be visited during an open ship. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 1 pm to 5 pm, the last admission is at 4.30 pm. Visitors are not allowed to take large bags and rucksacks on board. Today, a delegation of the crew led by the commander was welcomed at Hamburg City Hall.

The keel laying of the Libertad took place on 11 December 1953, and the ship was launched three years later. The ship was commissioned on 28 May 1963. The home port of the Libertad is Buenos Aires. In 1966, the Libertad set a still valid speed record for the Atlantic crossing between Cape Race (Canada) and Dursey Island (Ireland): she completed the distance of 2058.6 nautical miles in 8 days and 12 hours. The Libertad has won the "Boston Teapot Trophy" nine times. The prize is awarded each year by Sail Training International to the sailing ship - with over 50 % crew members in training - that covers the longest distance in 124 hours. In 2006, the Libertad In addition to modernising the technology, facilities for accommodating female cadets were also installed.

 

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

The Argentinian sail training ship "Libertad" in Hamburg, Photo: Herold

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Reception in the town hall, photo: hsc

Der Beitrag Argentinisches Segelschulschiff "Libertad" in Hamburg erschien zuerst auf marineforum.