The Inspector General has opted for an oiler which has much more operational and logistical capabilities than the current Type 704 Rhön-class tankers. These two Type 704 ships were commissioned in 1977 and have a cargo capacity of around 11,500 cubic meters. The new fleet tankers, on the other hand, should be able to deliver 15,000 cubic meters of fuel.
In addition to a larger loading capacity, the proposed design offers further advantages. Including, for example, a higher speed to better keep up with frigates. The new tankers should be over 20 knots fast compared to the 16 knots of the « Rhön » and « Spessart » vessels. The two double hull tankers of the future Type 707 class are to be available to the fleet beyond the 2050s.
From January 2019, the German defense procurement agency BAAINBw will install a fixed project group that will manage the procurement process in the coming years.