She has a wide array of modern electromagnetic, hydroacoustic, and electro-optic sensors for strategic intelligence gathering.

Her sensitive antennas can identify radar locations, monitor flights, and can also listen in on radio and phone conversations.

On 26 October 2006, Israeli planes flew over Alster while she was serving with the UNIFIL peacekeeping forces off the coast of Lebanon,[1] stirring an international incident.

[2][3][4] German authorities declared that the planes had fired shots at the ship and evaded from the scene launching flares.

The Israeli side, though denying that firing had occurred, acknowledged the incident and declared that no aggression was meant.