Type 212CD submarine

Class overview
BuildersThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS)
Operators
Preceded by
Planned
  • Total: 12 to 15
    • Norway: 6 [1]
    • Germany: 6 to 9 [2]
On order
  • Total: 6 [3][4][5][6]
    • Germany: 2
      (+4 approved by parliament)[7]
    • Norway: 4
      (+2 approved by parliament)
Building2
General characteristics
TypeAttack submarine
Displacement2,500 t (2,500 long tons) surfaced, 2,800 t (2,800 long tons) submerged
Length73 m (239 ft 6 in)
Beam10 m (32 ft 10 in)
Draught7 m (23 ft 0 in)
Propulsion
Speed> 20 knots (37 km/h; 23 mph)
Endurance41 days
Sensors and
processing systems
Armament

The Type 212CD class (for Common Design) is a submarine class developed by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) for the Norwegian and German navies. The class is derived from the Type 212 submarine class,[15] but will be significantly larger than the 212 class.

Project history

[edit]

A €5.5 billion contract for development and procurement of the six submarines was placed with TKMS on 8 July 2021[16][17] after the German and Norwegian governments reached an agreement in principle in March.[18] This followed an extensive period of negotiation between industry and the two governments which took place after Norway had, in 2017, decided on an extensive naval partnership with Germany and TKMS for their Ula-class replacement project.[19] The Ula-class submarines were also built by TKMS/HDW.

In Kiel, a German-Norwegian Building Program Office (BPO) is to be set up and tasked with representing the two states in matters of design, construction and acceptance. Management will alternate between a German and Norwegian representative, with a third of the staff being Norwegian.[citation needed]

Afterwards, a Lifetime Management Program Office (LMPO) is to be established in Haakonsvern Naval Base. Management will also alternate, with a third of the staff being German. The office is to handle questions concerning maintenance and repairs of the submarines. Norway will establish maintenance facilities for both countries submarines.[20] Construction of the first submarine started in September 2023.[21][22][23]

According to the Norwegian Armed Forces Long-Term Plan adopted by the Norwegian Parliament on June 4, 2024, Norway will purchase two more submarines in addition to the four submarines already ordered from Germany.[24][25]

Norwegian and German U212CD (Common Design) submarines are to be based together in Southern Norway. A Norwegian Ministry of Defence official told Janes on 7 June 2024 that a new base for the U212CD, including infrastructure, would be built at Haakonsvern, where Norway's current Ula-class submarines are already based. The new infrastructure will include pier, maintenance, and test facilities for the U212CD.[26]

Critical design review

[edit]

In August 2024, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced having completed the design review of the Type 212CD programme.[27] As a result of completing the Critical Design Review (CDR), the production of the submarines will be intensified.[28][29]

Submarine design

[edit]

The submarines will be based on, but nearly twice the size of the current Type 212A class and features a new stealth design - the hull will be diamond-shaped to deflect emissions by the active sonars[30] common on modern anti-submarine warfare (ASW) ships.[citation needed]

Propulsion

[edit]

Just like the Type 212A, the submarines will be fitted with a hydrogen fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion system, although they will receive two (MTU 4000 series) diesel engines instead of one. The overall endurance is to be increased as well.[20]

Command and control systems

[edit]

A new combat system ("ORCCA") to be developed by kta naval systems, a joint venture between TKMS' naval electronics division Atlas Elektronik and Norwegian manufacturer Kongsberg will be installed on the boats[31] and is claimed to allow the analysis of larger amounts of sensor data as well as to improve interoperability with allied forces. The first batch of German Type 212 submarines already uses the Kongsberg-developed MSI-90U Mk1+ combat system.[citation needed]

Sensors

[edit]

Two optronics masts including sensors from Hensoldt (OMS 150 and OMS 300) will be used instead of the hull-penetrating periscope of the previous U212A class for search, surveillance and attack functions.[32][33] A Hensoldt panoramic surveillance system will be installed while Kongsberg will contribute the active SA9510S MKII Mine Avoidance and Navigation Sonar as well as echo sounders for navigation.[34]

Weapons

[edit]

The submarines will feature four tubes for DM2A4 heavyweight torpedoes and Germany plans to fit the IDAS air-defense missile to theirs.[citation needed]

List of boats

[edit]

The submarines are being procured by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency Forsvarsmateriell (six submarines)[35] and the German Armed Forces Procurement Agency BAAINBw (two submarines). In September 2024 it was reported that Germany and Norway are considering expanding their joint order of Type 212CD submarines.[36] It is speculated that Norway is contemplating ordering two more Type 212CD submarines, while Germany is considering four more Type 212CD submarines.[37]

Name No. Order in class Status Contract Laid down Launched Comm. Notes
 Deutsche Marine (2 ordered + 4 to 7 planned)
U-37 S187 3rd Under contract [38] 30 Aug 2021[38] – – 2031 [38] –
U-38 S188 5th – – 2034 [38]
TBD TBD – 4 approved by the parliament waiting for contract[39] – – – – 4 approved by the parliament in December 2024, waiting for contract[39]
TBD TBD – – – – –
TBD TBD – – – – –
TBD TBD – – – – –
TBD TBD – Up to 3 additional expected [40] – – – – As part of the Zielbild der Marine ab 2035 (target of the fleet from 2035), Germany plans to have a total of 6 to 9 Type 212 CD, therefore 4 to 7 additional submarines to be ordered.[40]
TBD TBD – – – – –
TBD TBD – – – – –
 Royal Norwegian Navy (4 ordered + 2 planned to be ordered)
TBD TBD 1st Under construction [41][42] 30 Aug 2021[38] 12 Sep 2023 [41] 2027 [43] 2029 [38] –
TBD TBD 2nd – – 2030
TBD TBD 4th Under contract [38] – – 2033
TBD TBD 6th – – 2035 [44]
TBD TBD – Approved for order by parliament [45] – – – – Approved in Jun 2024, waiting for order confirmation [46]
TBD TBD – – – – –
  Planned commissionning
  Ships planned

Operators

[edit]

Future operators

[edit]
 Germany (2)
2 ships to be delivered in 2032[47] and 2034.[47]
In December 2024, the German parliament approved the purchase for 4 additional submarines of this type. The contract is expected soon.[39]
 Norway (4 on order + 2 approved for order)
In March 2021, the Norwegian Navy ordered 4 ships.[48] The contract was signed in July 2021.[49]
In June 2023, the Norwegian Defence Chief recommended to increase the order to 6.[50] In June 2024, this purchase was approved by the parliament, and a contract is to be signed.[51]
The submarines are to be delivered from 2029 to 2035.[52]

Potential contracts

[edit]
 Canada (12)
Germany and Norway offered an Arctic protection partnership to Canada, which includes the Type 212 CD for Canada.[53] In July 2024, Canada publicly unveiled its plan for the future of its navy, which includes up to 12 submarines.[54]
 Germany (4 to 7 additional)
According to the Zielbild Marine 2035+ plan, the German will operate from 6 to 9 Type 212 CD, and it includes the successors to the Type 212A, which would mean up to 3 additional Type 212 CD to be ordered.[55]
 Poland (3)
The Polish Navy is planning to purchase 3 attack submarines as part of its Orka programme. The mentioned competitors include the A26 Blekinge,[56][57] the KSS-III,[58] the S-80,[59] the Scorpene SSK and the Type 212CD.[60]

Failed bids

[edit]
 Netherlands
The Type 212CD was in competition with the pair Saab Kockums / Damen with a Blekinge derivative submarine and with Naval Group who proposed the Orka-class. Naval Group won the competition in April 2024 and should build 4 ships if approved by the parliament.[61]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "U212 CD – Norwegen soll zwei weitere U-Boote bekommen". 5 June 2024.
  2. ^ "German Navy Mulling Drone-Heavy Force Structure Looking Towards 2035 And Beyond". navalnews.com. 10 March 2023. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  3. ^ "TKMS To Build Six Type 212CD Submarines For German And Norwegian Navies". navalnews.com. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  4. ^ "Pistorius möchte weitere U-Boote für die Marine kaufen".
  5. ^ "Marinestützpunkt Eckernförde: Pistorius will Kauf weiterer U-Boote prüfen".
  6. ^ "Pistorius prüft Kauf weiterer U-Boote: Verteidigungsminister besucht Marine in Eckernförde". 19 July 2024.
  7. ^ "Navy receives four new Class 212 CD submarines". hartpunkt. 18 December 2024. Retrieved 18 December 2024.
  8. ^ {{cite web
    • Lithium battery
    |url=https://www.defence24.com/orka--the-german-way-will-the-polish-navy-submarines-be-built-in-szczecin |title=Orka – The German Way: Will the Polish Navy Submarines be Built in Szczecin? |website=defence24.com |date=1 February 2018 |access-date=30 September 2021 }}
  9. ^ a b "Submarines U212 CD Visual systems for Norway and Germany". hensoldt.com. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  10. ^ "Kongsberg To Provide Sonar And Navigation Systems For Type 212CD Submarines". navalnews.com. 7 December 2021. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  11. ^ Per Erlien Dalløkken (7 December 2021). "212CD skal kunne navigere neddykket i ukevis: Har valgt sensorer til nye ubåter". Tu.no. Retrieved 2022-05-27.
  12. ^ a b "Common Heavy Weight Torpedo: Class 212 CD submarines receive a new heavy weight torpedo". hartpunkt. Retrieved 5 December 2024.
  13. ^ a b "Procurement of four new 212 CD submarines for the Navy becomes concrete". hartpunkt. Retrieved 30 November 2024.
  14. ^ Harrison Kass (28 November 2023). "Type 212CD: Germany and Norway Have Big Plans for a New Submarine". nationalinterest.org/. Retrieved 18 April 2024.
  15. ^ "The new submarines". Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  16. ^ Neue U-Boote und Seeziel-Flugkörper für die Marine, 9. July 2021, Retrieved on 26 April 2024 (german).
  17. ^ "TKMS To Build Six Type 212CD Submarines For German And Norwegian Navies". Naval News. 2021-07-08. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  18. ^ Vavasseur, Xavier (2021-03-23). "Norway and Germany Reach Agreement on 212CD Submarine Contract". Naval News. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  19. ^ "Norway Selects Germany & TKMS as Strategic Partner for Ula-class Submarine Replacement". Navy Recognition. 3 February 2017. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  20. ^ a b ES&T editorial team (9 July 2021). "The next step on the way to the German-Norwegian submarine U212CD". esut.de. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  21. ^ Richardson, Jack (2021-07-09). "TKMS Milestones Announced". European Security & Defence. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  22. ^ Dalløkken, Per Erlien (6 September 2023). "Nå starter bygginga av ny ubåt – krever at Norge må ha flere enn fire" (in Norwegian). Teknisk Ukeblad. Retrieved 8 September 2023.
  23. ^ "Byggingen av Norges nye ubåt er i gang" (in Norwegian). Forsvarets Forum. 12 September 2023. Retrieved 12 September 2023.
  24. ^ "New Norwegian Long Term Plan on Defence: "A historic plan"". 5 April 2024.
  25. ^ "Hele Stortinget enige om langtidsplanen for Forsvaret – pressekonferanse klokken 16.30". 4 June 2024.
  26. ^ "Norwegian and German U212CD submarines to be based together in Norway". 11 June 2024.
  27. ^ "212 CD submarine programme: Critical Design Review (CDR) completed". 2024-08-23. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  28. ^ Fatima Bahtić (19 September 2024). "TKMS: Design phase of German-Norwegian 212CD class submarines completed". Naval Today.
  29. ^ "Milestone reached in German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine program". Naval News. 19 September 2024.
  30. ^ "Type 212CD Submarines, Germany". naval-technology.com. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  31. ^ "Kongsberg wins contract to deliver ORCCA combat system elements". Navy Recognition. 8 July 2021. Retrieved 2021-10-19.
  32. ^ admin (2022-01-14). "Hensoldt Awarded to Supply Optronic for Norwegian and German Type 212CD Submarines". MilitaryLeak. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  33. ^ "HENSOLDT equips Norwegian and German submarines with next-generation optronics suite". Hensoldt.net. Hensoldt. 13 January 2022. Retrieved 16 January 2022.
  34. ^ "Kongsberg Sonar for Norwegian and German Type 212CD Boats". MOENCH PUBLISHING GROUP. 2021-12-07. Retrieved 2022-05-15.
  35. ^ Myrseth, Silje Haugen (2024-06-04). "Enighet om en ny lang tidsplan for Forsvaret". NRK (in Norwegian Bokmål). Retrieved 2024-06-04.
  36. ^ Harry McNeil (19 September 2024). "Germany and Norway weigh up submarine order amid CDR climax". Naval Technology.
  37. ^ Tobias Kappelle (2 December 2024). "Plannen voor vier extra Duitse onderzeeboten concreter". Marineschepen.nl (in Dutch).
  38. ^ a b c d e f g "Ceremony for the major submarine contracts between Norway and Germany". www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  39. ^ a b c "Marine erhält vier neue U-Boote der Klasse 212 CD" (in German). 2024-12-18. Retrieved 2024-12-18.
  40. ^ a b Luck, Alex (2023-03-10). "German Navy mulling drone-heavy force structure looking towards 2035 and beyond". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  41. ^ a b ES&T editorial team (2023-09-12). "Produktionsstart der U-Boote der City-Klasse - Nächster Schritt auf dem Weg zum deutsch-norwegischen U-Boot U212CD". esut.de. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  42. ^ "Designfasen for de tysk-norske ubåtene er fullført". Norsk (in Norwegian). Retrieved 2024-08-30.
  43. ^ Staff, Naval News (2024-08-23). "German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine programme achieves CDR milestone". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  44. ^ regjeringen (May 2023). "Page 17 Future acquisitions for the Norwegian defence sector 2023–2030" (PDF).
  45. ^ "U212 CD – Norwegen soll zwei weitere U-Boote bekommen" (in German). 2024-06-05. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  46. ^ Willett, Dr Lee (2024-06-03). "Type 212CD AIP will change Underwater Game for Norwegian Navy, says Submarine CO". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-08-23.
  47. ^ a b Manaranche, Martin (8 July 2021). "TKMS to Build Six Type 212CD Submarines for German and Norwegian Navies". navalnews.com. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  48. ^ "Ceremony for the major submarine contracts between Norway and Germany". www.thyssenkrupp-marinesystems.com. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  49. ^ Ganta, Himaja (2021-07-09). "TKMS to build six Type 212CD submarines for Germany and Norway". Naval Technology. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  50. ^ "Norway: Defence Chief recommends to order additional submarines - Defence Industry Europe". 2023-06-09. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  51. ^ "U212 CD – Norwegen soll zwei weitere U-Boote bekommen" (in German). 2024-06-05. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  52. ^ Nilsen, Thomas (24 March 2021). "Norway's new subs especially designed for covert, shallow water operations". The Barents Observer. Retrieved 30 September 2021.
  53. ^ "Deutschland und Norwegen schlagen Kanada maritime Partnerschaft vor". 11 May 2024.
  54. ^ Staff, Naval News (2024-07-11). "Canada launches process to acquire up to 12 conventionally-powered submarines". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  55. ^ Luck, Alex (2023-03-10). "German Navy mulling drone-heavy force structure looking towards 2035 and beyond". Naval News. Retrieved 2024-03-22.
  56. ^ "Okręt podwodny A26 nadal w programie "Orka"". defence24.pl (in Polish). 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  57. ^ "Another Saab Seminar on Submarines: Poland in the Background". defence24.com (in Polish). 2020-09-07. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  58. ^ "Hanwha Ocean offers KSS-III submarine and industry cooperation to Poland". 2024-05-30. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  59. ^ "Polish "Orka" Submarine Procurement Gains Weight (and Bids)". defence24.com (in Polish). 2023-08-08. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  60. ^ Thomas, Richard (2023-12-01). "Hanwha to offer KSS III submarines for Poland's restarted Orka programme". Naval Technology. Retrieved 2024-07-15.
  61. ^ Defensie, Ministerie van (2024-03-15). "Contract for new submarines provisionally awarded to Naval - News item - Defensie.nl". english.defensie.nl (in Dutch). Retrieved 2024-05-13.
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