Germany to buy Watercat M18 AMC boats for Sea Battalion
Germany is set to award Marine Alutech a contract for up to 15 Watercat M18 AMC combat boats for the German Navy's Sea Battalion, with deliveries starting
Germany is poised to award Finnish boatbuilder Marine Alutech a contract for up to 15 Watercat M18 AMC combat boats. The vessels are intended to equip the German Navy's Sea Battalion.
The procurement marks a major step for a project first analyzed in July 2017. The competitive bidding process opened in June 2023 after funding was secured via the Bundeswehr's special fund in September 2022. The Watercat M18 design reportedly prevailed over Saab's CB90 offering.
Procurement and Delivery Plans
The German Armed Forces plan an initial purchase of ten boats. A follow-on order for five more systems is anticipated in the near future. Informed sources expect the first vessels to enter service starting in 2029. The systems must first complete qualification procedures within the German armed forces.
The Ministry of Defence has stated the boats will ensure the tactical mobility of the Sea Battalion. They are slated for a wide range of missions including amphibious operations, military evacuations, escort duties, patrols, and harbor protection.
Vessel Specifications and Capabilities
The Watercat M18 is a multi-purpose combat boat approximately 20 meters long with a displacement of 32 tons. The Finnish armed forces, which operate 12 of these Jehu-class boats, crew them with six sailors.
The boat's key performance specifications are as follows:
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Length | ~20 meters |
| Displacement | 32 tons |
| Propulsion | 2 x 660 kW Scania diesel engines |
| Top Speed | 45 knots |
| Range | ~200 nautical miles (370 km) |
| Standard Crew | 6 sailors |
| Troop Capacity | Up to 25 fully equipped marines |
Its fighting compartment can transport up to 25 fully equipped marines for operations like combat landings. The German Navy has been waiting for this capability for some time.
Mission Profile and Background
The requirement called for off-the-shelf multi-purpose boats already in service with another navy, ideally from a NATO member or partner state. The Watercat M18 meets this criterion through its service with Finland. The boats are intended to fulfill a critical gap in the Sea Battalion's operational mobility.
The report, originally published in German by hartpunkt, indicates the contract award is imminent. The project's realization will provide the battalion with a new platform for its diverse maritime tasks.
