The German Navy urgently needs to modernize its fleet of submarine frigates, particularly the outdated 8-inch floppy disk systems that have been in use since the 1990s. These disks are crucial for the operation of the Brandenburg class F123 frigates, managing essential functions such as airflow systems and power generation.
The reliance on such antiquated technology highlights the critical need for an upgrade to ensure the fleet’s efficiency and security.
Replacing the floppy disk system poses significant challenges. The disks play an integral role in controlling various ship operations, making the transition to modern systems complex and potentially risky.
This situation raises questions about the overall state of the technology used by the German Navy, humorously suggesting that other outdated gadgets like Palm Pilots or Tamagotchis are still in use for operational purposes.
Saab has been responsible for the maintenance of Germany’s F123 frigate fleet since 2021. Alongside the replacement of the floppy disk systems, the frigates are receiving upgrades to their weapons and weapon control systems, which are crucial for their role in submarine hunting. It is hoped that these upgrades will also include modern and user-friendly enhancements to the ship’s interface and control panels.
The use of floppy disks in government and military systems is not unique to Germany. Many institutions have relied on this outdated technology long after it became obsolete in the consumer market.
For instance, Japan’s Digital Agency recently eliminated floppy disks from its systems. The persistence of such old technologies raises concerns about the potential vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure, emphasizing the need for ongoing modernization efforts.
