dpa
Berlin
Germany is prepared to contribute minehunters to a potential mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz after the Iran war ends, DPA learnt from government sources on Thursday.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to offer German participation for a possible military mission during talks planned for Friday initiated by France and the UK, the sources said.
Following the end of hostilities, the German Armed Forces or Bundeswehr would provide minehunters, an escort ship and aerial surveillance for such a mission if certain conditions are met, they said.
The Bundeswehr has eight minehunters and two mine-diver deployment boats. How many of these could be used is still unclear. Merz is not expected to give figures on Friday, according to the information.
The Bundeswehr’s minehunters, which are more than 50 metres long, have a core crew of 42 soldiers, which can be expanded by mine divers.
For aerial surveillance, the navy has two P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft available, equipped with radar, acoustic systems and high-resolution optics.