Named after the city in Baden-Württemberg, the 89-meter-long Karlsruhe is part of a larger project aimed at enhancing Germany’s naval capabilities in coastal areas. The ship joins its predecessors, christened in April 2022 and May 2023, respectively.
Equipped with advanced weaponry including two 27 mm Mauser MLG27 automatic cannons and an OTO Melara 76 mm gun, the corvette is designed for both surface reconnaissance and maritime engagement.
The vessels are produced by the ARGE K130 consortium, comprised of NVL Group, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, and German Naval Yards Kiel, with all five planned corvettes currently in production. The second in the series, the Emden, is presently undergoing sea trials.
“The addition of the Karlsruhe to our naval forces is a significant boost, enhancing our operational capabilities, particularly in coastal waters,” said Tim Wagner, CEO of the NVL Group. Wagner emphasized the rigorous efforts to ensure these new vessels are battle-ready as scheduled.
The German Navy expects these new corvettes to be operational by 2025, compensating for delays in other naval projects like the MKS180 multi-role combat ship. This expansion also includes comprehensive training for the crews and integration of various naval systems and technologies.
