German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine program reaches major design milestone.

According to a PR published by TKMS on September 18 , 2024, the design phase for the Type 212CD submarines, a collaboration between Germany and Norway, has been successfully completed. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), responsible for the development, announced the conclusion of the “Critical Design Review” (CDR).
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Artist rendering of the future Type 212CD submarine. (Picture source: TKMS)

The CDR involved an extensive review of over 100,000 pages of documentation over three years in cooperation with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and the German procurement authority BAAINBw. With the design phase complete, production is set to accelerate, and initial tests are expected by 2027. Delivery of the first submarine to the Norwegian Navy is scheduled for 2029.

Both Germany and Norway are reportedly considering increasing the number of submarines beyond the initial six. TKMS expressed readiness to meet this potential demand, with political decisions expected in the coming months.

About the program

The Type 212CD submarine is an advanced diesel-electric class developed jointly by Germany and Norway to modernize their naval capabilities.

A key feature of the Type 212CD is its increased size and enhanced stealth capabilities compared to its predecessor, the Type 212A. The new design boasts a 65% increase in surface displacement, now reaching around 2,500 tons, and a length extended to 73 meters. These submarines are optimized for reduced sonar detection, using faceted hull designs and advanced anechoic coatings to minimize acoustic and active sonar signatures, making them more difficult to detect. This stealth shaping is a major advancement in submarine design, drawing on principles similar to stealth aircraft technology.

Another major improvement is the integration of an air-independent propulsion (AIP) system using hydrogen fuel cells, which allows for extended submerged operations without surfacing. The Type 212CD may also include vertical launch systems for the Norwegian submarines, capable of deploying advanced missiles like the Naval Strike Missile (NSM), although this remains speculative.

Norway-Germany relations

The partnership is strongly anchored in NATO's framework, with Norwegian and German troops regularly participating in NATO-led operations, particularly in Eastern Europe. Both countries contribute to NATO's presence in Lithuania, where Germany leads a battle group that includes Norwegian forces. This cooperation has been instrumental in securing NATO’s eastern flank.

Energy security has also emerged as a crucial area of military focus, particularly after the sabotage of the Nord Stream pipelines. Norway has increased its defense posture around critical subsea infrastructure, with German support, underscoring the connection between national security and energy stability in the region.

In addition to military projects, Norway and Germany collaborate within EU defense initiatives, despite Norway not being an EU member. Through projects like the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) on military mobility.