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. 

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

Related Company Profiles

View all

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. 

See Also:

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.  

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

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.”