The German Navy has released tender documents for sea trials of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) as part of its “Future Combat Surface System” (FCSS) initiative outlined in the “Kurs Marine 2035+” strategy document. This procurement and testing campaign represents a significant step in Germany’s transition toward integrating Maritime Unmanned Systems (MUS) into its naval operations.
Strategic Vision
The FCSS program aims to complement, extend, and potentially replace manned surface units (specifically the K130 corvettes) in certain scenarios. According to planning documents, these unmanned vessels will be capable of operating both as part of mixed manned-unmanned task groups (MUM-T Surface Action Groups) and independently in designated operational areas as fully unmanned task groups.
OPEX Testing Campaign Objectives
The operational experiment (OPEX) campaign will focus on five key areas:
- Evaluating how USVs can be deployed over extended distances in operational scenarios, identifying the capabilities and limitations of current systems, and assessing their contribution to the overall tactical picture
- Testing remote-controlled and autonomous operations across various levels of autonomy while ensuring safe participation in maritime traffic
- Verifying emergency systems functionality and exploring at-sea maintenance, supply, and recovery options
- Integrating situational awareness data and taskings into maritime Battle Management Systems (mBMS), such as the tactical-operational situational picture (SitaWareHQ)
- Examining the feasibility of remotely controlled or autonomous deployment of initial effectors (possibly long-range)
Testing Timeline and Location
The sea trials will take place in the Baltic Sea, with each USV prototype undergoing approximately one week of testing (excluding preparatory measures). According to the documents, the testing is scheduled for fall 2025, with two potential timeframes mentioned: September 15 to October 5, 2025, or November 3 to November 23, 2025.
Test Structure and Methodology
The testing campaign will follow a structured approach similar to a naval exercise, with individual testing segments organized as defined single exercises (serials) with specific evaluation objectives. The overall process includes:
- Preparatory measures (detailed planning, simulation, workshops)
- Deployment of USV prototype(s) to the test location (via sea and/or air transport)
- Technical preparation in port
- Technical preparation at sea
- Presentation of individual scenarios through system demonstrations
- Execution of sea trials and system demonstrations
- Evaluation of sea trials and system demonstrations
- Retrofitting of the USV and return transport
- Submission of final report
Technical Requirements for Test Vessels
The documents outline specific minimum requirements for USV test specimens, including:
- Platform Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9 (fully operational technology)
- Initial capability for autonomous navigation including waypoint navigation
- Remote-controlled operation capability
- “Emergency operation” with minimal crew
- Active collision avoidance capability
- Range of at least 300 nautical miles at 38 knots
- Existing reconnaissance and situational awareness systems: C2 system, navigation radar, electro-optical sensor
- Weapons systems including a gun of at least 30mm caliber
- Optional capability to carry loitering ammunition or missiles
- Payload/weight reserve of 6 tons
- Operational capability up to Sea State 5
- Minimum deployment duration of 5 days
The sea trials will encompass a total of 8 working days, with at least one week needed beforehand for technical preparation in port and at sea.