German Navy to deploy minehunter to Mediterranean amid possible Hormuz mission

“This constitutes a pre-deployment in preparation for the Bundeswehr’s possible participation in a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz,” she said in response to an enquiry.

The step will save time, enabling the minehunter Fulda’s capabilities to be deployed quickly once the conditions set out by the government are met, she said.

Her comments came after Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said German naval units would be deployed to the Mediterranean in preparation for a possible deployment in the Hormuz Strait, which is effectively blocked amid the conflict.

A minesweeper and command and supply ship will be deployed, Pistorius told the Rheinische Post newspaper in comments released on Saturday, without stating when the ships would depart.

After the US and Israel began attacks on Iran on February 28, Iran responded by effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz.

The blockade has caused major disruptions to global trade, sending energy prices soaring and sparking frantic measures to prevent fuel shortages. The reopening of the strait has been a major sticking point in negotiations to end the war.

Preconditions for any deployment would include a sustained ceasefire, a legal framework under international law and a mandate from Germany's Bundestag, the lower house of parliament, Pistorius said.

The minister pointed to Germany's naval capabilities in mine clearance, saying the country traditionally plays a leading role within NATO in this area.

Germany regularly sends a minehunter or a command and supply ship in NATO’s Mine Countermeasures Group 1, which operates mainly off the coasts of Northern Europe.

Minehunter preparing for mission

The Fulda minehunter has concluded its current participation in Mine Countermeasures Group 1, the ministry spokeswoman said.

The vessel is being prepared for a possible deployment in the Strait of Hormuz, with logistics and administrative processes to be carried out in the coming days during a port call in Kiel, she said.

Once ready, the Fulda is to deploy to the Mediterranean in the near future and initially undertake tasks as part of NATO Mine Countermeasures Group 2, which focuses primarily on the Mediterranean and adjacent maritime areas, she said.

Germany ready to contribute in Hormuz

Germany's Defence Ministry and central government “will make a significant and visible contribution” to an international coalition to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, she said.

Specifically, Germany has indicated its willingness to provide support in the form of sea-based mine countermeasures, a command and supply platform, and sea-based reconnaissance, she said.

The essential prerequisites for this are a lasting cessation of hostilities, a basis in international law, and a mandate from the Bundestag, she underlined.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said the country is ready to participate in a multinational mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, preferably with US involvement.

Germany would help ensure freedom of navigation in the strait by supplying mine clearance and maritime reconnaissance, according to the chancellor.