Vessel protection in expeditionary operations: At anchor and in foreign harbours

Germany´s next generation frigate the F125 class is designed to cope with asymmetric threats. In studies together with the German procurement agency and the German Navy, the vessel protection at anchor near the coastline and in foreign harbours has been addressed. Some of the concepts have been tested and demonstrated in an experimental system called LEXXWAR and been demonstrated during the harbour protection trials ´08 in Eckernförde. The presentation addresses the concept realized by F125 and possible enhancements based on the utility of UUVs, USVs and the CERBERUS diver detection sonar. An approach for retrofitting standard naval vessels is proposed.