Following the signing of the framework agreement to end the Iran-Iraq War, the German Navy is preparing for a possible deployment to the Strait of Hormuz. The minesweeper 'Fulda' and the supply ship 'Mosel' passed through the Suez Canal on Thursday, as announced by the German Federal Ministry of Defense. In total, approximately 140 soldiers are aboard the two ships. The Bundestag could consider a mandate for the deployment in early July.
The 'Fulda' and 'Mosel' are now to transit the Red Sea southbound within five to seven days and then make a stop in the port of Djibouti for further operational preparations. The German units would be 'pre-positioned for a possible mission in the Strait of Hormuz,' said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius (SPD) before a meeting of NATO defense ministers in Brussels.
It is a 'forward-looking, precautionary measure' to be 'capable of acting quickly and especially quickly in the Strait of Hormuz' in the event of an operational mandate. To prepare for a possible operation, the 'Fulda' and 'Mosel' have been additionally equipped with autonomous systems, mine divers, and protective equipment. The German government is 'ready to make a substantial and visible contribution in an international coalition to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.'
Britain and France had already suggested an international mission to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz following the end of combat operations. Both countries are already present with ships in the region and are expected to assume leadership of the coalition.
For the German Navy to participate, a Bundestag discussion of an operational mandate is aimed for 'before the summer recess.' A legal basis under international law is considered a 'key prerequisite' for the mandate. According to media reports, the German government is considering relying on an existing UN Resolution from March 11.
Thomas Röwekamp, chairman of the Defense Committee in the Bundestag (CDU), told the 'Rheinische Post' that a 'defensive mandate' is a prerequisite for the possible mission. Green Party leader Franziska Brandtner was not yet ready to take a firm position: 'First we need to know the facts,' she said to RTL and ntv broadcasters, referring to the mandate text. Questions about possible risks to German soldiers must also be clarified.
The 'Fulda' is a minesweeper of the 'Frankenthal' class. These ships are specialized in detecting and eliminating underwater hazards. In addition to cable-guided underwater drones, surface drones are used that simulate engine noise and the magnetic field of ships, thereby causing ground mines to detonate. Mine divers can also neutralize explosive devices in difficult-to-access locations such as harbors.
The tender 'Mosel' serves as a supply ship and carries fuel, fresh water, spare parts, provisions, and ammunition. Ships of the 'Elbe' class have experts for maintenance and repair work aboard when deployed with minesweepers. Cargo helicopters can also land on the ship's deck.
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