The German "Albatross" class missile boats have made their way into the Gulf of Tunisia, marking a significant shift in naval capabilities for the region. According to the January issue of the British publication *Jane's Defense Weekly*, the Tunisian government invested 40 million U.S. dollars to acquire six Albatross-class 143B missile boats from Germany. These vessels were delivered in three batches, with the final two arriving in December 2005. By mid-January this year, all six boats—renamed after various birds—were officially commissioned under the Tunisian flag and based in Bizerte, beginning a new chapter in their maritime careers.
Germany has long recognized the strategic importance of missile boats, especially given its complex coastal geography along the Baltic and North Seas. The country’s shipbuilding industry is renowned for its expertise in both missile boats and submarines. The Albatross-class missile boat, known as the 143B model, was developed by Hamburg Ship Technology Design Company. It was built by two different shipyards—Lusen and Klegel—with a total of 10 units produced. The first vessel was launched in October 1973, and the last one, named *Goshawk*, was completed in December 1977. As these boats approached their 30th year of service, the German Navy planned to retire them. However, the Tunisian Navy saw an opportunity and decided to purchase the six vessels, including *Harpy*, *Condor*, *Vulture*, *White-tailed Heron*, *Goshawk*, and *Cormorant*.
Tunisian officials believe that despite their age, the Albatross-class boats remain a valuable asset due to their strong construction and advanced systems. These vessels are well-suited for tasks such as coastal patrols, mine clearance, and anti-submarine operations. With a length of 58.1 meters, a beam of 7.6 meters, and a draft of 2.8 meters, they can carry 40 crew members. Their speed is another key advantage: powered by four diesel engines driving a four-blade propeller system with a total power of 15.784 MW, they can reach a maximum speed of 40 knots and maintain 30 knots for up to 1,490 nautical miles.
The Albatross-class also features advanced radar and countermeasure systems. Equipped with a Dutch WM27 radar for search and fire control, it can detect targets up to 46 kilometers away, while the navigation radar extends to 73 kilometers. The boats are fitted with decoy launchers and infrared/thermal strip dispensers, along with an upgraded Aegis combat data system and a 11th-generation data link. In terms of armament, they have two MM38 "Exocet" anti-ship missile launchers, two 533mm torpedo tubes, and a 76mm Otto gun. However, the Exocet missiles were not included in the original contract, requiring separate procurement from France. Despite this, the Albatross-class remains a capable and cost-effective choice for Tunisia’s maritime defense needs.
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