NVL Group has officially begun construction on the German Navy’s first Type 424 reconnaissance ship, marking the start of production for the new class of intelligence-gathering vessels. This milestone follows a revised contract signed in 2023, under which the Bremen-based company, in collaboration with Lürssen Werft, will build three Type 424 ships to replace the aging Type 423 Oste-class AGIs. While detailed specifications remain undisclosed, the ships are reported to be approximately 132 meters (433 feet) in length and are designed for electronic and signals intelligence operations. The first vessel is expected to be delivered in 2029, with the second and third following in 2030 and 2031. The agreement also includes training support and a reference facility, set for delivery in 2027.
