Egypt received third of four Type 209 submarines from Germany.

ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has launched the third of four Type 209/1400mod class submarines for the Egyptian Navy at a ceremony in Kiel, Germany. As part of the ceremony on May 03, Vice Admiral Ahmed Khaled, Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy, officially named the boat S43. It will undergo sea trials before delivery to Egypt.

Christening ceremony of the S43 submarine for Egypt (Picture Source: ThyssenKrupp)

Dr Rolf Wirtz, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, said “This significant milestone in the construction programme for the Egyptian Navy is based on an open and trusting dialogue with our customer as well as the competence of our employees and suppliers. These are key factors on our successful way to become Europe’s most modern naval company.”

The contract for the delivery of the first two Type 209/1400mod class submarines to Egypt was signed in 2011. In 2015, Egypt decided to take the option for two additional units of the most recent version of the Type 209 family. The first submarine, named S41, was handed over in December 2016 and the second submarine, named S42, in August 2017. The programme is planned to end with the handover of the fourth ship in 2021.

The Egyptian military has said the new Type 209 submarines will be used to protect Egypt’s national security, protect its economic interests and ensure safe and free navigation of the Suez Canal and other regions. The vessels have a range of 11 000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots and displacement of over 1 400 tonnes.

The average Type 209 has a crew of 30 and displaces 1.594 tons when submerged. The Type 209 is 62 metres long and has a 6 metres pressure hull diameter. It can dive to a maximum depth of 250 metres and is armed with eight torpedo tubes with 14 torpedoes. It will also be armed with Harpoon anti-ship missiles. It can reach speeds of up to ten knots on the surface and 21 knots dived.