The Norwegian Government has confirmed the purchase of another pair of U212CD submarines built in a joint initiative with Germany.
Hence, Norway will have six U212CD submarines; the decision to increase the boats from four to six has already been approved by the Oslo Parliament.
The numbers of the U212CD program have changed dramatically; initially, four boats were planned for Norway and two for Germany.
Norwegian Requirements and the Changing Global Scene
The U212CD was born from the particular needs of the Norwegian Navy and has clearly different dimensions and weights from the U212A’s created to operate mainly in the Baltic that have perfectly adapted to the particular operational conditions of the Mediterranean.
Subsequently, the outbreak of the war between Russia and Ukraine and the increased Russian naval presence in the northern basins between Europe and the United States led the Bundeswehr and the German Government to completely revise the plans and programs, increasing the U212CD submarines to six to meet the needs of the Navy to allow it to operate continuously in the North Sea, off Greenland, and in the Arctic Ocean.
Therefore, with the confirmation from the Oslo Government a total of twelve U212CD boats will be constructed equally divided between Germany and Norway.
Characteristics of the U212CD
With a length of 73 meters and a submerged displacement of 2,800 tonnes, these submarines will host a crew of about 30 people, optimizing automation and operational efficiency.
The Combat system includes integrated sensors, advanced human-machine interfaces, and greater data processing capabilities that can be integrated with future developments in Artificial Intelligence.
The particular design of the hull and sail, as well as the use of high-tech materials, contribute to a significant reduction in acoustic signature, essential for stealth operations in hostile environments.
Equipped with two MTU engines and an independent air propulsion AIP PEM system with fourth-generation fuel cells, the U212CD will have a wide range (at least seven estimated weeks) and a maximum submerged speed exceeding 21 knots.
Weaponry and other capabilities
The Norwegian-German submarines will be equipped with six 533mm torpedo launch tubes for heavy torpedoes, including the possibility of embarking the Black Shark Advanced by Wass, the SeaSpider anti-torpedo system by ATLAS Elektronik which is essentially a torpedo designed to intercept the enemy’s torpedo; of course, the U212CDs can be used for mining forced passages and will be integrated with AUUVs and UUVs that will serve to increase the search and surveillance radius of the submarines.
The U212CDs will be armed with the Light Missile Submarine, the IDAS for air defense and attack tasks anti-helicopter-UAS, with the Naval Strike Missile for both anti-ship and ground attack missions; as well as 3SM ‘Super Sonic Strike Missile’ by Kongsberg whose development should conclude around 2035.
In essence, the Norwegian and German Navy will introduce highly performing air-independent propulsion diesel-electric submarines with multiple advanced weapon solutions to meet all operational needs.
Photo credit @Ares Defense Observatory
