For the First Time in 22 Years, German Warships Dock in Malaysia

(DEFENCE SECURITY ASIA) – For the first time in 22 years, two German Navy ships, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG (F222) and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN (A1412), arrived this morning at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal for an operational visit.

The ships were greeted by Rear Admiral Azman bin Rabani, Assistant Chief of Staff for Cyber and Electromagnetic Affairs, alongside a Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN) delegation, with musical accompaniment by the RMN Band from KD SULTAN ISMAIL.

According to a social media statement issued by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), also present were the German Ambassador to Malaysia, Dr. Peter Blomeyer, and his delegation.

FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG and FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN are part of the Indo-Pacific Region Deployment 2024 (IPD 2024) and will remain in Malaysia until October 18.

Rear Admiral Helge Risch, Director of Human Resources for the German Navy, is also aboard the deployment.

During the visit, activities planned include a reception on board, ship tours, sports engagements, and joint training discussions with RMN representatives.

The IPD 2024 is a major defense diplomacy initiative for the German Navy, involving multinational maritime exercises and operations.

Both German vessels have been sailing the Pacific and Indian Oceans since June 2024, demonstrating the German Navy’s capabilities and commitment to maritime security.

During a media briefing aboard the Baden-Wurttemberg, German Ambassador Dr. Peter Blomeyer highlighted the strong economic ties between Germany and Malaysia, with over 700 German companies operating in the country.

Blomeyer emphasized Germany’s commitment to peace and security in the Indo-Pacific, underscoring the importance of the rule of law in international waters, freedom of navigation (FON), and safe shipping routes from the Indo-Pacific to Europe.

Meanwhile, Rear Admiral Helge Risch of the Baden-Wurttemberg expressed his pleasure in visiting Malaysia and thanked the Royal Malaysian Navy for the warm welcome.

“The last time a German ship visited Malaysia was 22 years ago, in 2002. I am confident that this will happen more frequently in the future, as it is very meaningful for us to be welcomed here,” Risch said.

He explained that their visit is part of naval diplomacy aimed at fostering ties with their Malaysian counterparts.

He expressed his eagerness for future cooperation, praising the professionalism of the RMN and looking forward to joint exercises after the ships depart on October 18, heading towards the Andaman Sea and then the Indian Ocean.

As part of their journey, the ships will conduct a passing exercise (PASSEX) with RMN assets based in Lumut, Perak.

Though classified as frigates, the FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG weighs up to 7,200 tons, making it more comparable to a destroyer.

Reports suggest that it is the heaviest frigate in the world.

Commissioned in 2019, the 150-meter frigate is capable of sailing at 20 knots with a range of 4,000 nautical miles.

In terms of armaments, FGS BADEN-WÜRTTEMBERG is equipped with a 127mm main gun, RAM Block II (Rolling Airframe Missile) systems, and Harpoon anti-ship missiles.

Additionally, it carries an NH-90 helicopter.

FGS FRANKFURT AM MAIN, commissioned in 2001, is a replenishment oiler of the German Navy.

The 20,000-ton vessel carries fuel, supplies, ammunition, and other resources to support German Navy operations. — DSA