The German Navy is retaining the mine-sweeping vessel “Fulda” as a potential candidate for deployment in the Strait of Hormuz. According to Frigate Captain Inka von Puttkamer, commander of the 3rd Mine Warfare Flotilla, the ship was transferred to the Mediterranean Sea approximately three weeks ago and has since arrived in the eastern Mediterranean, awaiting further orders.
Sources indicate that the Navy’s strategic priorities have recently shifted, with von Puttkamer stating that the Strait of Hormuz is now the highest priority. The “Fulda” was therefore strategically withdrawn from the routine NATO deployment in the North and East Seas and integrated into a unit operating in the Mediterranean. She noted that while the overall NATO contribution remains the same, the area of operations has changed significantly.
The German Navy is also actively preparing for a potential mission in the Persian Gulf. For this task, the “Fulda” will be paired with the tender “Mosel” a support vessel that has been redeployed from the Aegean Mission. Von Puttkamer highlighted that these two vessels will undergo an intensive preparation phase, which includes firing and drone defense exercises, the integration of new underwater drones, and the addition of specialized personnel. After completing this training, they could transit through the Suez Canal toward the operational area.
If deployed, the mission would be conducted within a multinational framework, with British and French navies likely taking the lead in the planning. The transit from the Mediterranean to the Persian Gulf is estimated to take an additional two to three weeks, during which Germany would contribute its comprehensive mine countermeasures capabilities.
