Norway's
six Ula class submarines were commissioned between 1989 and 1992, designed
for a service life of thirty years. These submarines will be phased
out in the 2020's. In addition to aging, technological advances make
the Ula-class, which is based on design and technology from the 1980’s,
insufficient to meet future, high-tech threats. Picture: RNON |
Norway’s
future submarine capability has been studied since 2007. The studies
have been conducted in two phases, both with thorough external quality
reviews before being presented. The Norwegian Government has now taken
a conceptual decision on future submarine capability.
- Submarines are a vital capability in the Norwegian Armed Forces, and
have a major impact on our overall defence capability. Together with
combat aircraft and Special Operations Forces, submarines are among
the armed forces’ most important capabilities. Hence, it is important
that we now have established that the acquisition of new submarines
will form the basis for further project work. This decision makes it
possible for us to maintain a credible submarine capability, says Minister
of Defence Ine Eriksen Søreide.
The current Ula Class submarines will be 35 years old when they are
replaced. They are originally built for 30 years of service. However,
the Ula-class must be kept operational for additionally five years in
order to maintain a continuous submarine capability until a replacement
is operational. Studies show that it would have been very costly and
impractical to extend the service life beyond this.
- The ability to operate covertly, which is vital for the submarine’s
relevance, will be significantly better for a new submarine than what
is achievable through service life extension of the current fleet. This
is due to lower acoustic signatures and a better hydrodynamic design,
says Eriksen Søreide.
It is a substantial task that awaits the project organisation. Part
of the work will be to evaluate potential cooperation with other countries
in terms of procurement, training and maintenance. A partnership can
contribute to economies of scale and a robust solution throughout the
life of the submarines.
The decision only entails that the project moves into a new phase, the
project definition phase. No investment decisions have so far been taken.
By the end of 2016, a recommendation on the future submarine capability
will be presented. Thereafter, pending the Governments decision, an
investment proposal will be presented to Parliament. This will enable
the delivery of new submarines to the Norwegian Navy starting from the
mid 2020's.
The total investment cost of this project depends on the number of submarines
and the weapons inventory.
- I emphasize that we have not decided the final level of ambition for
this project or the number of submarines. This is something I will give
my recommendation on when the project is presented in 2016, says the
Minister of Defence. |
