Securing the Northern Flank Remains the Main Task of the German Navy

At the beginning of this year, Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack, Chief of the German Navy, presented his servicemen and women with their service’s intents for 2025. 

“The German Navy will consistently continue its transition towards national and collective defence. The German Navy Planning Objective 2035+ remains the guiding principle and will be further developed, with the aim of achieving maximum availability and operational readiness by 2029 at the latest,” the Chief of the Navy said.

Potent Combat Team

Securing the Northern Flank, i.e. the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Sea, remains the main task of the German Navy. In order to maximize operational availability, all repair and upgrade activities are to be reviewed across all projects. New weapon systems must be made available more quickly. Intelligent, pragmatic solutions that improve combat efficiency need to be sped up. The conduct of operational training is always to be ensured, even in the event of a conflict. A sufficient supply of ammunition is to be achieved by 2029. In addition, the Navy must ensure that its naval and logistic bases are protected against sabotage and that existing guard and security concepts are adapted.

Responsible Partner

The transatlantic link remains central to the German Navy. At the same time, the partnership with Norway will be further strengthened. The German Navy firmly stands with Ukraine and will continue to provide training support. The Commander Task Force Baltic (CTFCommander Task Force Baltic), a national headquarters for the Baltic Sea area, is to reach full operational capability by the fourth quarter of 2025. Efforts to push ahead with the logistic prepositioning of ammunition and spare parts at Allied bases are underway, and a forward logistics base is to be established in Kiel.
 

Adaptability and innovation are prerequisites for making the Navy fit for the future. One of our goals is to make more use of artificial intelligence (AI) and wargaming. The Future Combat Surface System project is scheduled to be ready for operational deployment by 2029. The project encompasses the integration of unmanned systems and is of vital importance for the deterrence capability and modernization of the Navy.

Due to the exacerbated security situation, especially in the Baltic Sea, the Navy is constantly keeping ships and aircraft on standby. The naval infantry forces are to be geared to conducting maritime combat patrol operations.

People are key

"The people of the Navy – whether in uniform or civilian clothing – are the decisive factor in mission accomplishment. Respectful cooperation as well as identification with the values of Germany’s Basic Law are the foundations for all actions," emphasizes Vice Admiral Kaack.

In summary, the German Navy Planning Objective 2035+ includes measures to increase the Navy’s operational readiness, operational availability and capacity for innovation. The focus is on securing the Northern Flank, on strategic partnerships, respectful cooperation and the use of modern technologies. The Navy confronts the challenges of tomorrow by being highly adaptable and using disruptive technologies.

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by Presse- und Informationszentrum Marine  email