German submarine U36 starting five-month training mission in Norway

German Navy Type 212 submarine U36 is scheduled to get underway from its Eckernförde homeport to start a five-month deployment in Norway.

During the five months, U36 will operate from the Royal Norwegian Navy base in Bergen.

The training deployment of U36 in Norway is part of the bilateral cooperation between the two countries which are jointly procuring six Type 212 CD (Common Design) submarines.

German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems will deliver four submarines to Norway and two to Germany after being selected as the preferred bidder in February 2017.

While in Norway, U36 will take part in a number of international maneuvers which will include the Royal Navy-organized exercise Joint Warrior. The submarine will also play the role of an adversary to international vessels attending the Flag Officer Sea Training (FOST).

The submarine will also use the time in Norway to put future commanders to a test. The submarine is expected to perform torpedo launching exercises prior to its return home in June.

Type 212CD program

Norway and Germany are procuring six identical Type 212 CD (common design) submarines which will be based on the six Type 212 units already in service with the German Navy.

The new Type 212 CD submarines will share the low signatures of the Type 212 class but will have extended range, speed and endurance to allow worldwide operations, according to TKMS.

Norway is acquiring the air-independent propulsion 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. The country has also brought in UK-based BMT Defence Services (BMT) as a consultant in the project.

In addition to the submarine cooperation, Germany and Norway have established a navy-to-navy cooperation, research and development cooperation and a missile cooperation.