Germany, Norway seal deal for six Type 212CD submarines

The procurement organizations of Germany and Norway have signed a contract with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the construction of six Type 212CD (common design) class submarines.

This deal comprises a total of six identical submarines — two for Germany and four for Norway. It was reached thanks to a close collaboration between Germany’s Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) and the Norwegian Defense Material Agency (NDMA) and represents an important milestone in the strategic partnership between Germany and Norway.

The total cost of the project is estimated at EUR 5.5 billion.

 “The 212CD order is a major milestone. The Norwegian and German navies are getting the most modern submarines in the world, international and industrial teamwork will permanently shape cooperation in the maritime sector, and we have created capacity utilization for our company,” Rolf Wirtz, TKMS CEO, said.

Construction of the first boat will begin in 2023. Delivery of the first submarine for the Norwegian Navy is expected for 2029, while the delivery of the two boats for the German Navy is scheduled for 2032 and 2034.

In addition to the delivery of the submarines, extensive additional logistical services and training resources were agreed.

“With these submarines we are combining proven technology, which we already know from U212A, with further developments, especially in the area of ​​sensor technology, which make us fit for the future,” Jörg Jahresig, the BAAINBw project manager, commented.

The new Type 212 CD submarines will share the low signatures of the Type 212 boats in service with the navies of Germany and Italy but will have extended range, speed and endurance to allow worldwide operations, according to TKMS.

Germany already operates six Type 212 submarines (U-Boot Klasse 212A). The units include U-31, U-32, U-33, U-34, U-35 and U-36. The diesel-electric subs were developed by HDW for the German and Italian navies.

Norway is acquiring four air-independent submarines to replace the existing six Ula-class submarines that were commissioned between 1989-1992. The submarines were designed to last for 30 years and will reach the end of their life in the mid-2020s.

Also on 8 July, an agreement has been reached between BAAINBw and NDMA on the joint acquisition of new anti-ship missiles. The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) Block 1A missiles will be bought from Norwegian contractor Kongsberg Defense.