Anyone spotting unusual vehicles off Warnemünde in the coming days will be witnessing a special exercise: the Bundeswehr is testing unmanned systems on and under water there, together with companies, research institutes and three partner countries.
The exercise involves according to the Bundeswehr This is not a classic military exercise, but an "industry challenge". The focus is on the exchange and handling of data. The navy is cooperating with the Rostock Institute for Ocean Technology (RIOT) and the Seabed Security Experimentation Centre (SeaSec).
47 companies from industry and research are taking part, as well as partners from the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark. The focus: new approaches for the use of unmanned maritime systems - above and below the water surface.
Two training areas off Warnemünde
The two training areas are located to the west and east of the Warnemünde fairway. According to a statement from the Federal Waterways and Shipping Administration (WSV), there are no navigation bans. Recreational craft may continue to pass through the areas and no restrictions are planned for shipping.
The exact coordinates were published in a notice to mariners. It states that "a large number of surface and underwater vehicles can be expected, some of which will operate autonomously or semi-autonomously". Several security vehicles will also be on site. The authorities ask for increased attention when travelling through the exercise areas.
A spokesperson for the German Navy told YACHT in response to an enquiry:
"As usual, skippers should switch on the usual channels and pay attention to the information provided by the WSV."
Focus on protecting critical underwater infrastructure
The aim of the tests is to improve the monitoring of harbours and maritime infrastructure such as data cables, pipelines and offshore platforms. The unmanned systems are intended to recognise threats earlier and improve cooperation between manned and unmanned units.
Another focus is on the integration of these systems into existing structures - both nationally and in alliances with other countries. Data exchange between the various systems and players is at the centre of this. The test off Warnemünde will show whether the trialled concepts work under realistic conditions.
Fabian Boerger
Editor News & Panorama
