Securing the so-called Northern Flank formed by the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Sea will continue to be the main task of the German Navy, according to a recent statement by the Bundeswehr.
The focus on securing the Northern Flank forms part of the navy's new long-term plan for the present day to beyond 2035. The plan includes measures to expand the navy's operational readiness, operational availability and capacity for innovation.
The Bundeswehr said the plan also emphasises strategic partnerships, respectful cooperation, and the use of modern technologies.
In order to maximise operational availability, all repair and upgrade activities are to be reviewed across all projects, new weapon systems must be made available more quickly, and intelligent solutions that improve combat efficiency need to be enhanced.
The conduct of operational training is always to be ensured, even in the event of a conflict. The navy must also ensure that its bases are protected against sabotage and that existing guard and security concepts are adapted.
Sabotage recently became a main concern of the German Navy after a number of attempts to severely disrupt the operations of its warships and bases have been identified since the beginning of the year.
Inspector of the Navy Vice Admiral Jan Christian Kaack had said earlier that a number of ships were targeted and that there were attempts to break into naval bases.
One recent incident of suspected sabotage was the placement of an undetermined quantity of metal shavings into the engines of a warship still under construction at a yard in Hamburg. Local media said that if the shavings had not been detected, these would have resulted in significant damage to the ship's propulsion machinery.