D 170 Z1 (ex US Fletcher) DD

Displacement: 2230tons
Dimensions: 115m length; 12m beam; 3.5m draught
Armament: 4 127mm/38 Mk XII in single mounts; 6 76mm/50 Mk XXII in 3 twin mounts; 5 533mm torpedo tubes in 1 quituple mount; 2 533mm fixed ASW torpedo tubes; 2 Mk 11 Hedgehog ASW mortars; 1 depth charge rack; mine load possible. From 1974:  Quintuple torpedo mount removed. Z 2 1 76mm OTO Melara in place of 3rd 76mm twin, removed again 1975 but not 76mm twin was not reinstalled. Z 4 2 40mm/70 Bofors twin Mounts in place of the midships 76mm Mounts from 1965.
Propulsion: 2 shafts; 2 geared GE steam turbines, 30000shp, 35kts
Complement: 280
Description: These six Fletcher Class Destroyers were transfered to the Federal Republic of Germany under the US military assistance program of 1958, on a five-year loan. They were only bought by the Bundesmarine in 1974 for about $ 100.000 each. That was also the reason why they were never named, since they were only acquired as a temporary solution pending the arrival of german-build ships. The transfer of additional 6 destroyers was allowed but the Bundesmarine made no use of it.All of these ships were decomissioned in the late 1970s or early 1980s.

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D 170 Z1 (1980/Fletcher)

Type 101(A) Hamburg Class Destroyers

Displacement: 3340 tons
Dimensions: 134m length; 13.4m beam; 5.2m draught
Armament: 4 100mm/55 single mounts; 8 40mm/70 Breda in 4 mod 58 twin mounts; 5 533mm torpedo tubes, 3 fixed bow, 2 fixed stern; 2 533mm fixed ASW deck torpedo tubes; 2 quatruple 375mm ASW rocket launchers; 2 depth charge racks; mine loading possible. After conversion to Type 101A(1976-78):  3 100mm/55 single mounts; 8 40mm/70 Breda in 4 mod 62 twin mounts; 4 533mm fixed deck ASW torpedo tubes; 2 twin M.M. 38 Exocet Box launchers (in place of 100mm mount 3); 2 quatruple 375mm ASW rocket launchers; mine loading possible.
Propulsion: 2 shafts; 2 WAHODAG geared steam turbines, 34000shp, 35kts
Complement: 280
Description: The first major german warships to be build after the war, these ships had numerous problems during their long service. The original design was flawed because of WEU tonnage restrictions and the fact that a totally inexperienced shipyard was constructing and building them (the traditional german warship builders were busy building merchant ships in the 1950s). This resulted in a very top-heavy design with very bad seakeeping abilities, called "Skyscrapers" by their crews due to their high superstructure. The originally planned Quintuple torpedo mount could not be installed for stability reasons, so a unique submarine-like fixed bow and stern tube array was chosen. Even though they were quite heavily armed, the design was obsolete in face of soviet missile armed combatants likely to be encountered in the Baltic Sea. For that reason, only 4 of the originally planned 12 vessels were build. The 4 ships had a major overhaul in the late 1970s and were fitted with Exocets in place of one 100mm mount. The fixed bow and stern tubes were removed and 4 deck torpedo tubes installed. After this conversion, the ships were constantly out of trim and had to take on up to 400 tons of water ballast. They were kept in service during the 1980s but quickly discarded at the end of the cold war, and plans to upgrade them with RAM launchers and a helo deck in place of another 100mm turret were abandoned. These ships were maybe useful as fast minelayers or shallow-water ASW assets, but could not expect last very long in face of missile-armed opposition. Despite this, these ships did often serve with NATO STANAVFORLAND and STANAVFORMED forces. Hessen spent the last years of her career operating on half of her machinery and one screw only. These ships were named after States of the Federal Republic of Germany.

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Type 103 (A/B) Lütjens Class Destroyers (Charles F. Adams Class)

Displacement: 3370tons;
Dimensions: 134m length; 14.3m beam; 6.1m draught
Armament: 2 127mm/54 in single mounts; 1 Mk 13 launcher (103: 40 Tartar; 103A: 40 SM1MR; 103B 32 SM1MR, 8 Harpoon); 1 8 cell ASCROC launcher; 2 triple 324mm ASW torpedo tubes. After 103B conversion 2 20mm single Rheinmetall Mk 7 and 2 21 cell RAM launchers added.
Propulsion: 2 shafts; 2 GE steam turbines, 35500shp, 35+kts
Complement: 337
Description: In the late 1960s, NATO demanded the Bundesmarine to comission its own guided missile combatants. Since constructing an indigenous design was deemed as too costly and not quick enough, it was decided to order 3 destroyers of the US Charles F. Adams class, with the option to build another six of the type in license. The further six ships never materialized, but the three US-build destroyers were taken over in the late 1960s and became the centerpiece of the Bundesmarine for the next 30 years, called the "holy cows" by their crews. Differences included better habitability for the crew (but still way below german standard). These ships would have provided SAM cover for light forces in the Baltic, but were also often taking part in STANVFORLANT and other NATO forces. They were modified twice: 103A included the replacement of Tartar with SM-1 and 103B was a thorough upgrade originally planned for the mid-1980s but delayed until 1993 (mostly due to delays in the RAM program) which included Harpoon capability, new electronics and RAM launchers for point defense. Two 20mm cannon were added, mostly to support boarding operations in UN missions. While allready showing their age in the 1990s, these ships had a legendary reputation in the german Navy and will be sorely missed in the future, as they are most likely the last german destroyers. These ships were named after distinguished World War 2 Officers, 1 each of Navy, Air Force and Army. The naming after WW2 german officers was controversial at the time, both in Germany and abroad, and there were serveral states who initially did not allow port calls by these ships.

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F 207 Bremen (Type 122) FF

Displacement: 3800tons fully loaded
Dimensions: 130m length; 14.5m beam; 6m draught
Armament: 1 OTO Melara 76mm/62 single mount; 1 8 cell Sea Sparrow launchers (24 missiles); 2 quad Harpoon launchers; 2 triple 324mm torpedo tubes. After 1993 two 21 cell RAM launchers and two 20mm Rheinmetall Mk20 added. Niedersachsen, Karlsruhe and Bremen temporarily fitted with 1 30mm Goalkeeper CIWS from 1991 to 1993, all other units also had provisions for Goalkeeper.
Aviation: aft helo deck; one Hangar for two Sea Lynx Mk 88/88A (one normally carried).
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU cruise diesels, 5,200 shp; 2 GE LM 2500 boost gas turbines, 25000 shp, 30 knots
Complement: 200
Description: These eight ships represent the main strenght of the german navy to this day. Originally planned as guided missile frigate 70 to replace the Köln class, these ships share many design features with the dutch "Standard" Kortenaer class, but are not build to the same hull design as many sources state. The german frigates also use CODOG propulsion instead of the dutch GOGAG system. For the first time after the war, the main german shipbuilders Blohm&Voss, Vulcan and HDW designed and build these ships, which are of modular construction. 2 of the units were build in docks, the others in traditional style. By the time of construction, the tonnage limit was still in force and being limited to 3000 tons seriously interfered with structural stability, leading to cracks in the superstructure. But apart from that, this class is an excellent design which fully met the demands of the Bundesmarine and proved very reliable. In contrary to their precedessors, these ships were not primarily intended for the Baltic, but as Germany's contribution to the NATO ASW escort force. Another two units were authorized in 1986, giving the Bundesmarine a force of 8 modern frigates. Since the RAM system took so long to materialize, these ships spent the whole 1980s without a point defense system, but could have been fitted with the british/dutch Goalkeeper system if necessary. Only 3 ships ever carried Goalkeeper for a potential Persian Gulf deployment in 1991. RAM finally arrived in 1993, giving these ships a very good point defense system. The search Radar was upgraded as well at this time. Their main purpose is ASW, even though they never carried a towed array sonar. The new "Super Lynx" Mk.88a which can carry Sea Skuas gives them a capability to better engage small craft. This class will most likely serve until replaced by the 225 class around 2010, but cracks in the superstructure are a constant problem of these otherwise excellent ships. Three of these ships are named after west German states (Bremen is both a city and a state), the other five after west german cities.

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Type 123 Brandenburg class frigates

Displacement: 4700 tons full load
Dimensions: 130m lenght; 15.5m beam; 4.4m draught
Armament: 1 76mm/62 OTO Melara single mount; 2 MM 38 twin box launchers, 16 cell Sea Sparrow VLS; 2 21 cell RAM launchers; 2 20mm Rheinmetall Mk20, 4 324mm torpedo tubes in fixed double tubes.
Aviation: aft helicopter deck and 2 hangars; 2 Sea Lynx Mk 88a (1 normally carried)
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU cruise diesels, 6,800 shp; 2 GE LM 2500 boost gas turbines, 25000 shp, 29 knots
Complement: 219
Description: These four frigates were build during the 1990s. Compared to the type 122 the 123 is much larger and heavier, with most of the weight going into noise reduction and internal stability measures. While it carries the same engine arrangement as the Type 122, its sensors are much more modern. These ships were the first german ships fitted with vertically launched SAMs. Defined during the late 1980s as an ocean ASW ship, these ships had to be fitted with the Exocet launchers of the old Hamburg class destroyers for financial reasons, so their ASuW capabilites are weaker than the 122s. Also cut was financing for a towed array sonar, but the hull sonar is still much better than that of the 122. These ships carried RAM and 20mm guns from the start and will be fitted with the new automatic 27mm MLG and the active LFASS towed array in 2004-2005. Further upgrades could include ESSM and the replacement of the Exocets with Harpoon or RB-15 mod 3. All in all, the Type 123 is a capable, very quiet submarine hunter, and also well-liked by their crews because of spacious living quarters and air-conditioning, an important feature given the new international role of the German navy. All four ships are fitted as flagships with a second CIC and one of them usually serves as flagship of the standing german task force, or of a NATO force. These ships are named after german states, 2 (Brandenburg and Mecklenburg-Vorpommern) of them are former east German states.

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Type 124 Sachsen class frigates

Displacement: 5600 tons full load
Dimensions: 143m lenght; 17.4m beam; 4.5m draught
Armament: 1 76mm/62 OTO Melara single mount; 1 32 cell VLS (normal load: 24 SM-2MR Block IIIa, 32 ESSM); 2 quad Harpoon launchers; 2 21 cell RAM launchers; 2 27mm MLG; 6 324mm torpedo tubes in 2 fixed triple mounts.
Aviation: aft helicopter deck and 2 hangars; 2 NH90
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU cruise diesels, 11,400 shp; 1 GE LM 2500 boost gas turbine, 36700 shp, 29 knots
Complement: 255
Description: Build as replacement for the Lütjens class DDGs, these AAW frigates are the newest german surface ships. Basically an enlarged type 123 optimized for AAW instead of ASW, the type 124 is the german part of a german-dutch-spanish program to produce a new AAW ships using the US Standard II missile. While the spanish used the american SPY/AEGIS combination, the germans and dutch (with canadian participation)developed their own APAR system. APAR can detect targets as well as guide missiles. The ship carries SM-2 as well as ESSMs as a backup for closer targets and self-defense. Otherwise the weapons suite is similar to the other german frigates, but in contrary to the 123, the 124 carries 8 Harpoons again. Also the much effort has been put into reducing the ship's radar and IR signature. These ships will be the first to carry the new NH 90 helicopter as well as the new MLG-27 light gun. Further upgrades might include a heavy gun system in place of the 76mm and antiballistic missile capability. There is no plan to fit a VDS to the 124, though. Sachsen has been in service for a year, Hamburg is recently comissioned and the third ship, Hessen, is currently on trials. A fourth unit (Thüringen) was proposed but has sofar not been funded. These ships are named after german states, with Sachsen being in the former GDR.

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Type 120 Koln FF

Displacement: 2400 tons;
Dimensions: 110m length; 11.5m beam; 3.4m draught
Armament: 2 100mm/55 in single mounts; 6 40mm/70 in two Breda model 58 twin mounts and two Bofors single mounts; 4 533mm fixed deck ASW torpedo tubes; 2 octuple 375mm Bofors ASW rocket launchers; 2 depth charge racks; mine load possible
Propulsion: 2 shafts; 2 BBC steam turbines, 12000shp; 4 MAN cruise diesels, 3000shp, 32kts
Complement: 200
Description: These ships were originally called "Geleitboote" (escort boats) but were reclassified as frigates due to NATO standards. Essentially a ASW version of the Kriegsmarine T1937 "fleet torpedo boat" with combined Diesel and Steam engines (and build by Stülcken and Sons, who also build the 101 destroyers) they sufferend from the same problems as the 101 class. On the positive side, these were the first warships in the world with a CODAG propulsion. They carried quite a strong gun armament, but were obsolete from the start. These ships had shorter service lives than their larger cousins, but were also more active. They were mostly used in baltic patrols and during the 1970s had serveral collisions and "incidents" with Warsaw pact vessels. Especially Augsburg was a record holder in collisions. These ships never recieved any armament upgrade, since their stability margin was too narrow for any major upgrades except some now radars and electronics. As for the 101 destroyers, they were useful for shallow-water ASW but terribly vulnerable to missiles. These ships were named after larger west german cities.
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Type 125 FFG (MEKO D design)

Displacement: app. 4000 tons full load
Dimensions: 116m lenght; 19.4m beam; 4.2m draught
Armament: 2 16 cell VLS front and midships, 2 8 cell VLS aft (48 launch cells total), 2 RAM launchers, ASW torpedoes, 8-16 SSMs (RBS-15, NSSM?), 127-155mm gun system, 4 MASS decoy launchers, hardkill torpedo defense of some sort (TAÜ).
Aviation: aft helicopter deck and hangar
Propulsion: 2 shafts, combined gas turbine and electrical propulsion, 28 knots
Complement: 78
A new german frigate design is currently in its definition phase. These frigates are to replace the 122 class on a 1-1 basis. Design completion is set for 2006, with the first ship being completed in 2010. The ship will be most likely based on the Blohm&Voss MEKO designs and will be general purpose design with land attack capability. Currently the 5000 ton  Blohm&Voss MEKO D design is favored, while the 8000 ton AAW type MEKO X design is much more capable (actually it is almost a small guided missile cruiser) but it could not be build in such huge numbers. Both MEKO designs are of modular design and based on the "fast monohull" concept, with stealthy surfaces phased array radars. Propulsion will be gas turbine/electric. Armament will include vertically launched SAMs (most likely ESSM), 8-16 SSMs, 2 RAM launchers and a large-caliber gun system (either the Rheinmetall MONARC or AGSS) for land attack and maybe land-attack cruise missiles. A hard kill anti-torpedo system is planned as Torpedoabwehr Überwasserschiffe (TAÜ). Most notable features are a significantly reduced crew, great automation and increased protection with many redunancies.

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Type 130 Braunschweig Corvette

Displacement: app. 1500 tons full load
Dimensions: 92.5m lenght; 12.7m beam; 3.2m draught
Armament: 1 76mm/62 OTO Melara single mount, 2 21 cell RAM launchers, 4-8 RBS-15 Mk 3 SSMs, 2 27mm MGL-27 automatic revolver cannons.
Aviation: aft helicopter deck and hangar
Propulsion: 2 shafts, combined diesel and gas turbine, 26 knots
Complement: 60
These "Corvette" ships are being build to replace the current missile boats with a platform with higher endurance and better seakeeping qualities and survivability and reduced signature, with better sensors, including extensive use of electro-optical sensors. The original order of 15 has been reduced to an initial five, but additional units may be build. The corvette project has recently been jeopardized by the cancelling of the Polyphem missile (its primary land-attack and anti-boat weapon) and the Seamos drone (its primary surveilance system). To replace those systems, it is envisioned to give RAM a secondary anti-boat role, while the RBS-15 Mk 3 will most likely have a secondary land attack role. For the surveilance drone helicopter, a foreign model might be acquired, but a Sea Lynx with Sea Skua missiles could just as well be used. These ships are the first to be equipped with the new MASS decoy system. The Corvettes are specially thought for littorial warfare in areas far away from bases, which is evident in their internal comfort: 4 man cabins with a toilet and shower in each, air conditioning and other things sofar unheard of on a german warship. This class is named after German cities. It is still uncertain how they will be classified

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Type 420 Thetis class ASW boat

Displacement: app. 750 tons full load
Dimensions: 70m lenght; 8.2m beam; 2.7m draught
Armament: 2 40mm/70 Bofors in 1 twin mount; 1 375mm Bofors ASW rocket launcher, 4 533mm fixed single ASW torpedo tubes (for DM1 and Mk 37), mine rails
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MAN Diesels,  4410 shp, 23.5knots
Complement: 68
Description: This class of ASW boats was originally planned as seagoing torpedo recovery vessels, hence the initial name "Flottendienstboote" (fleet service boats). However, their freeboard proved too high for effective torpedo recovery operations, so they were fitted with ASW rockets and torpedoes and converted into shallow water ASW boats and were reclassified as "U-Jagdboote" (Subchasers). Despite not being designed as ASW boats, these boats were highly popular with their crews and had excellent seakeeping qualities for their size for the very same reason they were unsuccessful in their intended role, the high freeboard. They were quite good in shallow-water ASW, being armed with ASW rockets and guided torpedoes. They were also quite useful for NATO submarines to simulate the Warsaw pacts numerous small ASW escorts in exercises. A measure for their effectiveness is the fact that many of the officers serving on these boats later rose to flag rank. After the reunification, the need for a baltic shallow-water escort was not there anymore, also this class was getting old and its ASW weapons were obsolete. The whole class was transferred to Greece, where the five boats are still serving, fitted with more modern weapons. These ships were named after characters of greek mythology.

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Type 142 Zobel class Torpedo Boat

Displacement: 225 tons full load
Dimensions: 42.5m lenght; 7.0m beam; 2.3m draught
Armament: 2 40mm/70 Bofors in 2 single mounts; 2 533mm fixed stern tubes for DM2A1 wire-guided anti-ship torpedoes;
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 Mercedes-Benz  Diesels, 8825 shp, 40+ knots
Complement: 39
Description: These were the last classic motor torpedo boats build by Lürssen, which did not really differ from the WW2 S-Boats. Build in the early 1960s, these boats were originally armed with 4 forward torpedo tubes for straight-running torpedoes. In the 1960s it was proposed to convert these boats into missile boats to plug the "missile gap" existing between the Warsaw pact navies and the Bundesmarine. However, it proved to be impossible to fit missiles to the 142 design, also the proposed missile (the Tartar ASM) never materialized. However, it was possible to fit them with the new DM2A1 wire-guided torpedoes. The 4 forward firing tubes were replaced with 2 stern tubes for wire guided torpedoes, resulting in the Type 142A. These boats were quite comparable to the Shershen boats used by the DDR, but with a heavier gun armament and better torpedoes. In the early 1980s, this class was obsolete and decomissioned. The first 5 boats were used for secondary purposes by the Bundesmarine, the other 4 went to Turkey, but were never comissioned there but used as spare parts source for the older 140 type torpedo boats of the turkish navy. However, one ended up in the hands of drug runners and was seized by the Royal Navy last year. These boats were named after mammal predators. Note: german FAC carry a serial number (S-) in addition to their NATO hullnumber. In official terms, its not "Hermelin", but "S 38 Hermelin".

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Type 143 Albatros class missile-torpedo boat

Displacement: 390 tons full load                                                                      Dimensions: 57.6m lenght; 7.8m beam; 2.5m draught
Armament: 2 76mm/62 OTO Melara in 2 single mounts;; 2 M.M. 38 Exocet twin box launchers (4 missiles), 2 533mm fixed stern torpedo tubes for DM2A1 wire-guided antiship torpedoes. 2 12,7mm M2 MGs Propulsion: 4 Shafts; 4 MTU Diesels, 18.000 shp; 42 knots Complement: 40
Description: These boats were build by Lürssen in the late 1970s, to a modified FPB-57 export design. The largest and most well armed german missile boats, the 143 class was also the first missile boat to be equipped with a CIC and extensive datalinks based on Link 11. ECM and decoy launchers increased survivability, while the boats posess a powerful punch with 2 76mm guns and 2 heavy torpedoes even after their missiles are expended. Their wooden hulls also helped to reduce the radar signature, which is smaller than that of the 148 boats, even if the 143 is 50% larger. The 148 missile boats served well during the cold war and are today being used almost worldwide. Plans to upgrade these boats by replacing the second 76mm mount with a RAM launcher (as class 148B) were abandoned in the early 1990s But during international missions, the class proved unsuited for hotter climates due to poor crew accomodation and overheating engines. These boats are set to be decomissioned in another 4-5 years, when the first batch of 130 class Corvettes are in service and will most likely be bought by some other navy. These boats are named after birds of prey, hence the whole class is called "Raubvogel-Klasse"

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Type 143A Gepard class missle boat

Displacement: 390 tons full load Dimensions: 57.6m lenght; 7.8m beam; 2.5m draught
Armament: 21 76mm/62 OTO Melara single mount;; 2 M.M. 38 Exocet twin box launchers (4 missiles); 1 21 cell RAM launcher (since 1993); 2 mine rails; 2 12,7mm M2 MGs
Propulsion: 4 Shafts; 4 MTU Diesels, 18.000 shp; 42 knots
Complement: 40
Description: These boats are the most recent german S-Boats and most likely the last in german navy service. The 143A class differs from the 143 class in being somewhat lighter armed with only 1 76mm gun and no torpedo tubes. The empty deck space is used to store mines, the 143As original role being that of a fast minelayer. Also, it was planned from the start to fit this class with a RAM launcher, but this only happened in the early 1990s. RAM gives these boats an almost unequalled survivability for western missile boats, and today the 143 and 143A squadrons are mixed and the boats operate in pairs, the 143A protecting its "wing boat" as well. ECM and ESM sensors are said to be more capable than that of the 143 class. Originally these boats were to decomission the same time as the 143 boats, but budget cuts in the Corvette program have changed this and now it seems these boats will serve at least another 10 years. These boats are named after small predatory mammals.

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Type 148 Tiger class missile boat

Displacement: 265 tons full load                                                                               Dimensions: 47m lenght; 7.0m beam; 2.7m draught
Armament: 1 76mm/62 OTO Melara;1 40mm/70 Bofors single mount; 2 M.M. 38 Exocet twin box launchers (4 missiles); 2 12,7mm M2 MGs.
Propulsion: 4 Shafts; 4 MTU Diesels, 12.000 shp; 38 knots
Complement: 30
Description: The 148 class missile boats were the first SSM carriers of the Bundesmarine, promted by the delivery of Osa I missile boats to the Volksmarine. They were ordered from CCN Cherbourgh (based on the Combattante II design) as a stopgap measure because Lürssen couldnt design a missile boat in the required time and the projected Tartar ASM failed. For economical reasons, the hulls of half of the class were build in Germany, but outfitting was done in France. These boats had steel hulls, not wooden ones like the Lürssen boats. Despite their somewhat hasty introduction, this class served effectively for over 30 years. The 148 is well suited for the baltic environment and its M.M. 38 missiles were a serious threat to Warsaw pact amphibious forces. It was also well-armed with guns, being the first german class to carry the 76mm OTO gun mount. During the 1970s, these boats were upgraded with new radars and link 11, enabling much more effective group tactics than before. Their primary role would have been coastal defense against Warsaw pact landing forces, using hit-and-run tactics while operating from camouflaged tenders along the german and danish coast. The last 148 was decomissioned in 2003, and many of the surplus boats were sold to other navies. These boats are named after predatory mammals (first 10) or after birds (last 10)

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BG 157 Neustadt class border guard patrol boats

Displacement: 218 tons full load
Dimensions: 38.5m lenght; 7m beam; 1.7m draught
Armament: originally  2 40mm Bofors in 2 single mounts, 2 7,92mm MG 42s, today 1 or both Bofors removed, MGs normally stored
Propulsion: 3 shafts, 2 Maybach, 1 MWM diesels, 14,400 shp; 30+ knots
Complement: 23
Description: These boats do not belong to the german navy, but to the maritime arm of the (west) german border guard (Bundesgrenzschutz -BGS). Today a federal police force, the BGS used to be a 20.000 strong paramilitary force with its own air (helicopter) and naval arm. These 8 boats were build by Lürssen to replace both the S-Boats given to the Bundesmarine and the WW2 vintage patrol boats formerly used. Heavily armed for their size, the task of these boats was to patrol the maritime part of the inner-german board, especially the Lübeck bay. Due to this close proximity to the GDR, these boats often had to recover refugees, often leading to standoffs with their GDR counterparts. In wartime, these boats would have been employed to counter GDR infiltration attempts and also as light escorts against GDR torpedo boats. After 1991, the armament of these boats was mostly removed and they were used for general maritime police duties. While displaying a "Küstenwache" (coast guard) designation, a german coast guard as a unified agency still does not exist. These boats are supplemented by former GDR missile boats without armament and are currently being replaced by the new BG 66 class OPVs. These boats are named after cities with major BGS bases, but the names are hardly used, the boats are referred to by their hull numbers.

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Type 520 Barbe class LCU

Displacement: 403 tons full
Dimensions: 42m lenght; 8.8m beam; 2.1m draught
Armament: 2 20mm RH202 cannon in 2 single mounts, mine load possible.
Propulsion: 2 Shafts; 2 MWM Diesels, 880 shp; 10 knots
Complement: 17
Description: A class of 22 small landing craft which replaced US WW2 LSTs and LCIs in the 1960s. Larger landing craft were seen as too cumbersome for the intended task. Their mission was not to conduct amphibious landings, but to evacuate and supply cut off troops in the event of a Warsaw pact attack on west Germany. They could carry 2 tanks or 160 tons of cargo. The design is quite similar to the US LCU type, but the boats have been build in Hamburg. After the cold war, the need for the amphibious flotilla was no longer there, and the majority of these boats were sold to Greece or scrapped. Five still serve on as utility craft. These craft are named after maritime animals.

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Type 401/402/403 Rhein class tenders

Displacement: 2700 tons full load
Dimensions: 98.2m length; 11.8m beam; 4.7m draught
Armament: 2 100mm/55 in single mounts; 4 40mm/70 in four Bofors single mounts; 2 depth charge racks; mine load possible (200 mines). Type 403 4 40mm/70 in two Breda twin mounts only.
Propulsion: 2 shafts; 6 Maybach Dieses 12000shp (402/403 class diesel-electric), 8,825hp (10060 in 403), 16 kts
Cargo:500 tons of munitions, spares and fuel
Complement: 99-122 crew, 35 man repair crew + accomodation for the crews of supported boats
Description: A class of 13 tenders was ordered in 1956 in order to support FAC (type 401), minesweepers (402) and submarines (403). These ships had the size and the shape of a frigate and could also serve as minelayers and ASW escorts, at least in the 1950s. They were heavily armed with guns, mostly for their own air defense. The minesweeper and submarine tenders differed from the FAC tenders in having diesel-electric propulsion, in order to be able to charge the batteries of submarines and the diesel-electric SM-Boats. The submarine tenders were also only lightly armed. Since there were more tenders than squadrons to support, 3 of these ships were used in the cadet training role to supplement Schulschiff Deutschland. By 1980, 3 of the 401 type had been given to Turkey and Greece, while the others were all used as tenders. After 1991, the rapid aging, large crews and high maintenance costs prompted the replacement of this class. The ships have all been paid off and scrapped. This class was named after german rivers.

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Type 720 Berlin multi-product replenishment ship

Displacement: 20240 tons full load
Dimensions: 174m lenght; 24m beam; 7.4m draught
Armament: 4 20mm Rh 202 in 4 single mounts, 2 Fliegerfaust posts for 3 Stinger missiles each. 20mm cannon are to be replaced by 4 27mm MLG-27 starting 2005.
Aviation: large aft helicopter deck and hangar; 2 Sea King
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU diesels, 10,500 shp; 19.5 knots
Cargo: 8900 cubic meters diesel fuel; 609 cubic meters kerosene; 125 tons frozen provisions, 100 other provisions; 195 tons munitions; 195 standard containers
Complement: 139+89
Description: These new replenishment ship class replaces the old oilers and tenders of the destroyer flottilla with a single design. Build to support german and NATO operations worldwide, these ships are five times as large as their precedessors. They are build to merchant ship standards and can be fitted with modular equipment in standard containers. One of these modular kits is a complete hospital with 45 beds. 2 Sea King helicopters are carried for VERTREP, but theoretically the large aft helo deck in connection with huge berthing spaces can also be used as a base for special forces. Two ships are in comission, with a third being build in 2006, and there is an option for a fourth vessel of this type. Class named after large german cities

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Type 701A/C Freiburg class replenishment vessel/tender

Displacement: 3483 tons full load
Dimensions: 104m lenght; 13.2m beam; 4.2m draught
Armament: 4 40mm/70 Bofors in 2 dual mounts, mine load possible
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 Maybach diesels, 4,100 shp; 17 knots
Cargo: 1100 tons of Diesel, provisions and munitions(1600 tons)
Complement: 103
Description: This long-serving class of replenishment vessels was build during the late 1960s. The 4 ships of the Freiburg class primarily served to support the Bundesmarine's destroyers and frigates. They could also serve as auxilary minelayers. The 4 ships of the Coburg class served as tenders for submarines and FAC. The Meersburg now serves as Germany's only dedicated submarine tender. This class has now been replaced by the new Berlin class. Named after smaller german cities.

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Type 703 Walchensee class small tankers

Displacement: 2174 tons full load
Dimensions: 74.2m lenght; 11.2m beam; 4.1m draught
Armament: none
Propulsion: 1 shaft, 2 MWM diesels, 1,010 shp; 12 knots
Cargo: 1100 tons of oil, 60 tons of fresh water
Complement: 21 (civilian)
Description: A class of four small utility tankers build in the early 1960s. They usually operate with civilian crews and usually supply tenders. Westensee is used for crew training as well. Named after lakes in Bavaria.

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Type 760 Westerwald class munition ships

Displacement: 4032 tons full load
Dimensions: 105m lenght; 14.m beam; 3.7m draught
Armament: 4 40mm/70 Bofors in 2 dual mounts
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 Maybach diesels, 4,100 shp; 17 knots
Cargo: 1080 tons of munitions
Complement: 60 (part civilian)
Description: These two ships are the only specialized munitions carriers in the german navy. Mostly used to safely transport munitions between bases, their original task was to supply destroyers at sea, with civilian crewed tankers taking over the refuelling role. Named after central german mountain ranges.

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Type 704 Spessart class oiler

Displacement: 14200 tons full load
Dimensions: 130m lenght; 19.3m beam; 8.2m draught
Armament: none
Propulsion: 1 shaft, 2 MaK diesels, 5,880 shp; 16 knots
Cargo: 7000 tons of fuel oil (est.)
Complement: 42 (civilian)
Description: Two medium sized (for the 1970s) ex civilian tankers acquired 1975, as fuel transports to support longer overseas deployments of german frigates and destroyers. Before that, the Bundesmarine relied on chartered civilian oilers for these purposes, but the rapid shrinking of the german-flagged tanker fleet in the 1970s made this purchase necessary. These ships, operated by civilian crews, are to refuel the Freiburg or Berlin class replenishment ships once they have expended their fuel stores. They carry RAS gear, but are normally not directly refuelling warships. Named after hessian mountain ranges.

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Type 404 Elbe class tender

Displacement: 3170 tons full load
Dimensions: 100.7m lenght; 15.4m beam; 3.7m draught
Armament: originally none, but fitted with 2 20mm RH 202 in 2 single mounts, 2 Fliegerfaust stands for 6 Stinger missiles
Aviation: since 1997 1 hangar, helo deck for 1 Sea King
Propulsion: 1 shaft, 1 MWM diesel, 2,540 shp; 15 knots
Cargo: 450  tons of Diesel, 150 tons fresh water, 27 tons provisions, 150 tons munitions; spares, lubricants etc; 24 standard 20 feet containers (mostly carries the 13 container modular SUG repair shop for FACs)
Complement: 40 crew, 38 repair party, 18 squadron staff + 11 passengers
Description: The 404 class was designed to replace the old tenders with a cheaper hull constructed to civilian standards. Originally it was considered to use former GDR ships as new tenders, but conversion costs proved too high. The 404 is basically a small container vessel with fuel and ammo storage. Helicopter capacity was originally not planned, but a large helo deck has been added, first to test the concept for the Berlin class, now to VERTREP boats. These tenders contain everything to support a 8-boat squadron of FACs or MCMs over an extended period of time. The shipboard support group can also carry out repairs. Also these ships are fitted as squadron flagships and carry extensive communications gear. These ships are named after german rivers.

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Type 423 Oste class AGI

Displacement: 3200 tons full load
Dimensions: 83.5m lenght; 14.6m beam; 4.2m draught
Armament: none, may be be fitted with 2 27mm MLG and Fliegerfaust
Propulsion: 1 shaft, 1 Humboldt-Deutz diesel, 8,980 shp; 21 knots
Complement: 36 crew, 40 SIGINT specialists
Description: These "fleet service boats" were build in the late 1980s to replace a motley collection of trawlers and small tankers fitted for SIGINT duties in the Baltic. These boats, externally resembling large luxury yachts (but painted grey) house extensive ESM and SIGINT gear in a fairing above the bridge (internally leading to the name "tit boats"). They have a huge endurance and can remain on station for over six months. For that reason, crew accomodation is said to be the best in the fleet, but generally little information is available on them. During the 1990s, one of these boats was always on station off Montenegro to gather SIGINT data on Yugoslavia. Today, they are assigned to the submarine flottilla, even though they have nothing to do with submarines. These boats are named after small rivers in Schleswig-Holstein.

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Type 332 Frankenthal class minehunter

Displacement: 660 tons full load
Dimensions: 54.5m lenght; 9.2m beam; 2.8m draught
Armament: 1 40mm/70 Bofors in 1 single mount, 2 Fliegerfaust stands for 6 Stinger missiles. Bofors to be replaced with 27mm MLG from 2005 on.
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU diesels, 5,500 shp; 18 knots, 2 electric motors for quiet propulsion up to 5 knots
Minesweeping equipment: 2 Pinguin B2 charge-laying ROVs, 40 200 kg charges
Complement: 44 + 4 divers
Description: This class of minehunters is built on the same non magnetic hull as the 343 class, but is build as minehunters using ROVs to destroy ground mines. In place of the aft 40mm, there is a working deck and 2 cranes for launching and recovering the 2 Pinguin class ROVs. The camera equipped, cable guided Pinguin is able do identify mines and lay explosive charges to detonated them. A Pinguin can carry 2 charges per mission, 40 are carried aboard. The 332 carries extensive ground surveilance sonar in order to locate targets, based on the Krupp-Atlas DBSQS-11M sonar. These boats have proven themselves very well, both in sweeping the baltic from the last relics of WW2 as well as deposing of dumped ordonance from the 1999 raids on Yugoslavia in the Adriatic.

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Type 343 (333/352) Hameln class minesweeper/minehunter

Displacement: 645 tons full load
Dimensions: 54.4m lenght; 9.2m beam; 2.8m draught
Armament: 2 40mm/70 Bofors in 2 single mounts, 2 Fliegerfaust stands for 6 Stinger missiles. Bofors to be replaced with 27mm MLG from 2005 on.
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 MTU diesels, 6,092 shp; 18 knots
Minesweeping equipment: Mechanical only (type 343); Seefuchs expendable mine disposal drone (type 333 and 352); Seehund remote controlled minesweeper (352 only).
Complement: 43 + 4 divers
Description: This new class of mine countermeasure vessels has been completed in the late 1980s. They were build to replace the old fast minesweepers (SM-Boats) which were a development of the WW2 R-Class. Designed as Minenkampfboote, these boats were also to serve as fast minelayers. They are build using antimagnetic steel and every metallic item on board is carefully demagnetized, down to each screwdriver. Also much effort went into shock-absorbing measures, to minimize damage from mines exploding in close proximity. Originally these boats relied on mechanical gear and could only detect moored mines. In 2000, the class was converted into two distinct class of minehunters. Type 333 is using advanced ground surveilance sonar and the expendable Seefuchs hunter-killer drone to locate and kill ground and moored mines. It retains minelaying capacity. Type 352 is to replace the old wooden 351 class as guidance units for the Troika (Seehund) remote controlled  minesweeping device against magnetic mines. Troika consists of 3 small Seehund boats towing a strong magnetic emitter to set off magnetic ground mines. The boats themselves are too small to be damaged by the explosions. The 20 year old Seehund boats are to be replaced by a SWATH hull design in the near future. Type  351 retains fully mechanical minesweping ability and can also use Seefuchs, but only against moored mines, since it lacks the advanced sensors of 333. Both classes can embark a 4 man ordonance disposal diver team. These boats are excellent MCM platforms and have proven to be very reliable. These boats are named after small (west) german cities.

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Type 762 Sachsenwald class mine transport/minelayer

Displacement: 3400 tons full load
Dimensions: 111m lenght; 13.9m beam; 4m draught
Armament: 4 40mm/70 Bofors in 2 dual mounts; 4 large mine storage areas with elevators, 6 mine rails
Propulsion: 2 shafts, 2 Maybach diesels, 4,120 shp; 17 knots
Cargo: 400-600 mines
Complement: 60
Description: These two ships had an unspectacular, but significant role in the defense of the NATO Baltic flank. They were to support the laying of defensive mine barriers off the german and danish coast. Originally, these ships only were to transport the mines and transfer them to smaller minelayers (landing craft, minesweepers) at sea. But after completion, mine rails were added so they could lay mines themselves. One of these ships was always at readiness in the cold war years. After 1990, they were no longer needed and discarded. Named after southern german mountain ranges.

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