Germany and Norway are contemplating expanding their joint order of Type 212CD submarines following the successful completion of the Critical Design Review (CDR) in their submarine development programme.
This success, marking the end of the design phase, signals that the construction of the six submarines can proceed as planned. Now, both nations are considering expanding the order.
The programme involves six submarines, with the first vessel expected to be delivered to the Norwegian Navy in 2029. However, both countries have expressed interest in increasing this number, a decision that could be finalised in the coming months.
Procurement negotiations between Germany and Norway have so far led to the decision that two of the submarines will be for Germany and four for Norway, as highlighted by GlobalData’s intelligence on the German defence market.
GlobalData’s intelligence on the Norwegian defence market highlights that in June 2023, General Eirik Kristoffersen, Chief of Norwegian Defence, publicly called for Norway to increase its Type 212 CD submarine order from four to six hulls.
"We are pleased with the positive signals from Germany and Norway. This underscores the need for our products," said Christian Rogge, Head of Operating Unit Submarines at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), leading the construction effort. "We also have sufficient production capacity. We are ready when further option boats are needed."
The 212CD submarines combine stealth, range, and operational flexibility. The CDR ensures that the final design aligns with the requirements of both countries' procurement authorities, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (Forsvarsmateriell) and Germany's BAAINBw.
The review covered more than 100,000 pages of documentation, a process that TKMS emphasised was essential to ensure all potential risks were addressed before moving into the production phase. "A shared understanding of the design and documentation ensured that gaps, risks, and problems were identified at an early stage," Rogge added.
With the design phase complete, TKMS will intensify production efforts, with the first tests scheduled for 2027. Expanding the number of submarines in the order would be a welcome boost to the Kiel production site, where the submarines are being built.
For Germany and Norway, boosting submarine numbers could strengthen their presence in the Arctic and North Atlantic, where maritime security has become a focus in recent years.
A decision on the expanded order is expected soon, with political leadership in Germany and Norway set to assess the proposal.
Norway is also considering further cooperation with the UK on anti-submarine warfare frigates.
