Norway Approves Plan to Acquire Two Additional 212CD Submarines
The Norwegian government has approved the procurement of two additional Class 212CD submarines for the Royal Norwegian Navy, bringing the total planned fleet to six.
The decision, based on a recommendation from Chief of Defence General Eirik Kristoffersen, is intended to improve operational availability and sustain undersea presence.
To support the expanded acquisition, the government has proposed a budget increase of 46 billion Norwegian kroner ($4.77 billion).
“Norway is a coastal and maritime nation and submarines are absolutely central to the defense of our country,” Norwegian Minister of Defense Tore O Sandvik said.
“We see that the activity of Russian forces in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea has increased.
As NATO’s eyes and ears in the north, this places greater demands on our ability to demonstrate presence, monitor and deter in our immediate areas.”
212CD Program
Norway is currently procuring four 212CD submarines under a contract with thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), two of which are already under construction in Germany. The lead boat is expected to enter service in 2029.
When combined with Germany’s earlier commitments, the joint 212CD program has now reached its planned maximum of 12 submarines.
As part of the expansion, Norway will also help finance the establishment of a second production line in Germany, which is required to ensure the timely delivery of the additional submarines.
“With this strategically important and now growing project, we are making a decisive contribution to strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and the relationship between the two countries,” TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard emphasized.
“We are equally pleased about the continued trust placed in the quality of our work and products, as well as the existing partnership.”
Features
The joint program aims to generate efficiencies through shared research and development, training, crewing, logistics, and maintenance, while ensuring full NATO interoperability and suitability for high-end operations, including in the Arctic.
The 212CD submarine is significantly larger than its predecessor, the Type 212A, with an overall length of approximately 73 meters (240 feet) compared with 56 meters (184 feet) for the earlier design. Displacement has also increased to around 2,500 tonnes, up from about 1,524 tonnes for the 212A.
The design incorporates improved sensors, extended range, and a reduced acoustic signature to support covert operations.
The submarine will be armed with DM2A4 heavyweight torpedoes and Atlas Elektronik’s SeaSpider anti-torpedo system, with options under consideration for a submarine-launched Naval Strike Missile and a newly co-developed supersonic strike missile.
The program could later expand to include up to 12 submarines for Canada, with TKMS working alongside its German and Norwegian partners in the ongoing competitive process.
