Contract Award for Modernization of Minehunting Sonars in German Navy
On October 23, TKMS announced the acquisition of a contract to enhance the minehunting sonar systems aboard the German Navy’s Frankenthal (Type 332)-class coastal minehunters. This initiative is under the purview of the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw).
Specifications of the HMS-12M Sonar
The upgrade involves the installation of TKMS’s hull-mounted HMS-12M sonar, which will replace the existing Atlas Elektronik DSQS-11M sonars currently fitted on these vessels. Modernization efforts will coincide with the scheduled maintenance periods of the ships.
Key features of the HMS-12M sonar include:
- Type: Hull-mounted, active sonar
- Frequency: Triple-frequency (low, high, and very-high frequency)
- Resolution: High-resolution capabilities
- Technology Base: Derived from the DSQS-12M system
- Integration: Compatible with the Atlas Elektronik Integrated Mine Countermeasures System (IMCMS)
This sonar can perform a variety of tasks, including:
- Minehunting
- Mine and obstacle avoidance
- Route surveying
Furthermore, it is capable of detecting anchored, bottom, or semi-buried mines, whether within the water column or resting on the seabed. Its advanced tracking capabilities allow for continuous monitoring of identified objects, even under challenging conditions, up to Sea State 5.
Overview of the Type 332-class Vessels
The Frankenthal-class vessels, designed for coastal mine countermeasures, have a displacement of 650 tonnes and a length of 54.5 meters. The German Navy operates three distinct variants within this class:
- Type 332C: Five units
- Type 332CL: Three units, notable for their control capabilities over the Seehund-class minesweeping drones
- Type 332B: Two mine-clearance diving vessels
Significant upgrades were implemented between 2009 and 2020, equipping the Type 332C and 332CL vessels with the Integrated Mine Countermeasures System (IMCMS) and the SeaFox mine destruction system. The Type 332B vessels are also slated for modernization with the IMCMS.
Future Developments
In a related advancement, four Atlas Elektronik SeaCat autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) were ordered in October 2023 for integration into the Type 332C and Type 332CL classes. These enhancements reflect Germany’s strategic commitment to advancing its maritime mine clearance capabilities.
This modernization effort underscores the importance of maintaining advanced operational capacity in mine countermeasure operations, ensuring that the German Navy can effectively respond to evolving maritime threats.
