Power in distant waters

Gunboats

Compact, long-ranging warships protected German interests, showed the flag and fought far from the main battle fleet.

6 ships

Overseas stations

Small ships with a global reach

Built for colonial and diplomatic service, these gunboats combined economical machinery, practical armament and the endurance needed for independent operations in Africa, Asia and the Americas.

Profile of Iltis

Imperial gunboat

Iltis

1898–1914
The lead ship of Germany's East Asian gunboats spent her career overseas and was destroyed during the defense of Tsingtao.Explore ship →
Profile of Jaguar

Imperial gunboat

Jaguar

1899–1914
Jaguar patrolled Chinese waters, fought during the Boxer Rebellion and was scuttled when Tsingtao fell in 1914.Explore ship →
Profile of Tiger

Imperial gunboat

Tiger

1900–1914
Built for colonial service, Tiger operated from the German base at Tsingtao until her crew scuttled her during the Japanese siege.Explore ship →
Profile of Luchs

Imperial gunboat

Luchs

1900–1914
Luchs served across East Asian waters and was blown up at Tsingtao to prevent capture by Japanese forces.Explore ship →
Profile of Panther

Imperial gunboat

Panther

1902–1931
Panther became Germany's best-known gunboat through overseas deployments and the Agadir Crisis before ending her career in 1931.Explore ship →
Profile of Eber

Imperial gunboat

Eber

1903–1917
Eber represented German interests from Africa to the Americas and was interned, then burned at Bahia after Brazil entered the war.Explore ship →