The German Navy announced at the end of June that its two replenishment tankers are not available to refuel ships at sea because of wear and tear and engine problems.
German navy chief Vice Admiral Andreas Krause said, “We cannot make up for the unavailability of the tankers. The navy has become too small. This is another example of how urgent the modernisation and financing of the navy is.”
The German Navy’s three Berlin-class combat support ships are not available during the second half of 2018 because they are committed to or preparing for the EU’s Operation ‘Sofia’ migrant-monitoring mission in the Aegean.
janes.com