Germany has approved the purchase of four additional Type 212CD submarines from thyssenkrupp Marine System (TKMS) in a deal valued at EUR4.7 billion ($4.92 billion).
In addition, Norway has indicated that it may also increase its submarine fleet with an additional two boats in the near future. This expansion of the German-Norwegian submarine program marks one of the largest orders in the company’s recent history, TKMS officials said in a statement.
The Type 212CD submarines represent the latest generation of submarine technology, offering advanced capabilities such as enhanced situational awareness, improved networking, and reduced acoustic signature. These features require advanced production techniques and state-of-the-art equipment.
To support the production and maintenance of the 212CD submarines, TKMS has invested over EUR250 million in its Kiel facility since 2019 to expand production capacity. The company acquired shipyard capacity at the former MV Werften site in Wismar to enable simultaneous construction of submarines and surface vessels as part of this expansion.
Additionally, TKMS is streamlining operations, logistics, and international maintenance for the 212CD submarines. This is evidenced by the recent groundbreaking for new service yard capacities in Norway. This move further strengthens the partnership with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) and expands industrial collaborations between Norway and Germany.
A military history enthusiast, Richard began at Forecast International as editor of the World Weapons Weekly newsletter. As the Internet grew in importance as a research tool, he helped design the company's Forecast Intelligence Center and currently coordinates the EMarket Alert newsletters for clients. Richard also manages social media efforts, including two new blogs: Defense & Security Monitor, covering defense systems and international issues, and Flight Plan, which focuses on commercial aviation and space systems. For over 30 years, Richard has authored the Defense & Aerospace Companies, Volume I (North America) and Volume II (International) services. The two books provide detailed data on major aerospace and defense contractors. He also edits the International Contractors service, a database that tracks all the contractors involved in the programs covered in the FI library. More recently he was appointed Manager, Information Services Group (ISG), a new unit that encompasses developing outbound content for both Forecast International and Military Periscope.
