German engineers have presented the design for a new patrol ship that will operate in the Baltic Sea and protect critical infrastructure in the area, including submarine cables and wind farms, reports “Bild“, quoted by News.bg.
The design was shown to German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on January 24 at the Lürssen shipyard in Bremen. The ship, named NTV 130, is 130 meters long and is designed to achieve maximum operational flexibility and efficiency, the company explained.
Capabilities and characteristics of the NTV 130
The NTV 130 can carry up to four boats at a time, and heavy transport helicopters such as the Boeing CH-47 Chinook, weighing up to 22.5 tons, will be able to land on its deck. In addition, the ship is equipped with a place to transport armored vehicles that can be transferred to land.
The shipyard's CEO Tim Wagner told “Bild“ that this ship could be among the priorities for purchase by the German Navy. Minister Pistorius described the project as “very interesting and promising”, although production is still in its early stages.
Increased activity in the Baltic Sea
Following the damage to the Balticconnector gas pipeline in 2023 and the subsequent incidents with undersea cables in the Baltic Sea, NATO has increased its presence in the region. Since the beginning of January, the Alliance has sent about a dozen ships for operations in the Baltic Sea, and Commander Eric Cox said the group will be expanded in the future.
The NATO fleet serves as “surveillance cameras“ to prevent undetected attacks on key infrastructure. Russian authorities deny accusations of sabotage and say they do not interfere in the affairs of other countries.