Kongsberg to upgrade Norway’s Ula-class submarines

Norwegian company Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KONGSBERG) has signed an agreement with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) for upgrades to Norway’s Ula-class submarines to extend their operational life.

Kongsberg supplied the combat system to the Ula-class and has previously conducted upgrade programs. The latest upgrades will contribute to keep the Ula-class operational until the new 212CD submarines are being introduced in the 2030s.

The contract is worth about NOK 436 million ($41.5 million) and the scope of work includes upgrades to software and hardware to the combat system on board the Ula class submarines.

“KONGSBERG is pleased to be part of the update program ensuring the Ula-class’ operational capability until the next generation of submarines arrives,” said Eirik Lie, President of Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

Kongsberg is also supplying the combat system for the new 212CD submarines, which are being delivered to Norway and Germany in the future.

The design phase for the six German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarines was recently concluded, German shipbuilder thyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) reported.

In the next step, the production of the submarines will be intensified on the basis of the developed design specifications. The first tests are scheduled to begin in 2027. Delivery of the first submarine to the Norwegian Navy is scheduled for 2029.