The Norwegian Government has confirmed it intends to acquire two extra submarines from TKMS for the Norwegian Navy.
A NOK 52 billion (£3.9 billion) contract was already in place to buy four of TKMS’s Type 212CD submarines. Two of the boats are already under construction in Germany, with the first-in-class scheduled for delivery in 2029 and the second the following year.
The decision to exercise the option for an additional two submarines has upped the overall value of the programme to NOK 98 billion (about £7.3 billion). The extra spending includes a contribution towards establishing a second production line in Germany to accelerate provision.
A Norwegian Government press statement noted: “Submarines are an important strategic capability in Norwegian waters, helping to deter potential adversaries and strengthen the defense of Norwegian interests in turbulent times.”
The Defence Minister Tore O. Sandvik observed: “Norway is a coastal and maritime nation and submarines are absolutely central to the defence of our country. We see that the activity of Russian forces in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea has increased.
“As NATO’s eyes and ears in the north, this places greater demands on our ability to demonstrate presence, monitor and deter in our immediate areas. In that context, submarines are absolutely indispensable.”
He added: “”We are in a very serious security situation. Norway and our allies must strengthen their defence capabilities, while the prices of defence equipment are increasing.
“The government believes that it is right to prioritize the acquisition of two additional submarines now. It is an expensive investment, but also an important investment in securing Norway in turbulent times.”
Germany is also procuring between six and nine of the cutting-edge Type 212CD boats for its own navy under the joint programme.
The Type 212CD diesel-electric attack submarines are derived from their predecessor Type 212A boats, but at 73 metres long, are significantly larger. The 2,900-tonne subs feature lithium batteries and an air independent propulsion (AIP) system.
The subs of both navies will be armed with heavyweight torpedoes; Germany is seeking to fit an IDAS air-defence missile to its boats as well. The first German Navy boats are scheduled for commissioning in 2031 and 2034.
The subs of both navies are set to operate out of a new joint base in Haakonsvern in southern Norway, where Norway’s Ula-class submarines are already based.
- You can read more details on the Norwegian Government’s website