A revised offer was received from German submarine manufacturer thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tKMS) in February and negotiations are now ongoing. The Royal Norwegian Ministry of Defence’s (Forsvarsdepartement) statement said that Norway and Germany, both NATO members, are procuring identical submarines together and the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency (NDMA) and the German defense procurement agency, BAAINBw, have now started formal negotiations with tKMS. thyssenkrupp Marine Systems delivered a revised offer for new submarines.
This is a large and complex contract, where a significant amount of taxpayer money is being spent. Therefor it is important to use the time necessary to ensure a solid contract that delivers good submarines for both nations. The negotiations will therefore continue until such a contract is in place. The aim is to have a ready to sign contract in 2020. The COVID 19 pandemic may, however, influence the negotiation process. Steps have been taken to reduce to the impact. Delivery date and schedule of the new submarines will be set as part of the contract.
Royal Norwegian Navy (Sjøforsvaret) currently operates six Ula-class submarines which were delivered between 1989 and 1992 by Thyssen Nordseewerke GmbH, Emden. Studies indicate that the Ula-class can be kept operational somewhat longer than initially planned. Norway will therefore keep its submarine capability even if the new submarines are delayed. The German bid is based on the HDW class 212A submarine, ten of which have already been produced. This class will be developed further for Norway and delivered as HDW class 212NG (Norway-Germany/Next Generation).
German Navy already operates six Type 212 submarines and is procuring two more submarines. These two boats will be similar in configuration with the four units being procured by Norway. The submarines, dubbed Type 212 Common Design (CD) variant, will be based on the German Navy’s Type 212A and specifically tailored to the requirements of the two nations. The class 212CD will combine the low signatures of the class 212A with extended range, speed and endurance to allow worldwide operations.
