The submarines have a length of 59m, beam of 5.4m and a draft of 4.6m. Credit: Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency/Hensoldt.

Hensoldt has completed a critical design review (CDR) for the Royal Norwegian Navy’s ULA-class submarines, marking a milestone in the modernisation of the vessels.  

This modernisation aims to extend the operational life of these submarines until the country’s next-generation 212CD submarines enter service in the 2030s. 

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The CDR was conducted as part of a contract, valued at approximately €40m ($43.63m), awarded to the company by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) in October last year. 

It follows the contract award to Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace last month to upgrade the combat systems for Ula-class submarines. 

During the review, all design documents and interface drawings underwent comprehensive review, with the systems passing all design reviews. 

The ULA-class submarines, which were originally fitted with SERO 14/15 periscopes, will be upgraded with Hensoldt systems, including new periscope and optronic mast systems.  

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Built by Thyssenkrupp Nordseewerke, the boats have a length of 59 metres (m), beam of 5.4m and a draft of 4.6m.  

The submarines have surfaced and submerged displacements of 1,040 tonnes (t) and 1,150t respectively.  

Norway’s current fleet includes six Ula-class submarines that have been in service since the late 1980s.  

Despite their age, these submarines have received updates to their combat systems and sensors, as well as life-extension measures.  

Hensoldt Optronics & Land Solutions division head Tanya Altmann said: “Norway is a long-standing and trusted partner, and we are delighted to have once again gained their trust in the modernisation of the ULA class. 

“This successful cooperation underlines our expertise in the life extension and modernisation of maritime systems.”