Henning Otte, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Armed Forces of the German Bundestag, stated that the deployment of the German mine countermeasures vessel “Fulda” in the Strait of Hormuz is dependent on established security precautions. The former CDU member of parliament emphasized that the safety of the soldiers is the top priority.
During his visit to the naval command, Otte learned that the crew was highly trained and prepared for their mission. However, he stressed, “It is important to me that a mine countermeasures vessel is secured at all times, either by partner nations or by our own forces.”
The Navy has dispatched the “Fulda,” along with a group supply vessel, to the Eastern Mediterranean, potentially in preparation for participation in an international mission in the Strait of Hormuz. This potential deployment has increased in likelihood following the fundamental agreement reached between the US and Iran last weekend. Furthermore, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (CDU) had expressed willingness for Germany to participate in a defensive mission alongside partners.
Despite these possibilities, Otte insisted that such a mission can only take place if guaranteed protection for the mine clearance team is provided. He noted that Germany has not yet planned to deploy, for instance, a frigate for protection. “Whoever sends the troops into action is responsible for their safety-and without protection, there can be no deployment. Period,” Otte asserted.
