In line with what had been signaled in mid-December, the Royal Norwegian Navy has decided to expand its new submarine fleet by purchasing two additional Type 212CD boats, which will be built by the German company TKMS. With this agreement now confirmed, Oslo will be able to field a fleet of six submarines instead of the four originally ordered, turning the program into one of NATO’s most relevant submarine initiatives today, with an investment exceeding US$9 billion.
Regarding the new contract, TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard stated: “With this strategically highly important and rapidly growing project, we are making a decisive contribution to strengthening Europe’s defense capabilities and the relationship between the two countries. We are equally pleased by the continued confidence placed in the quality of our work and products, as well as in the existing cooperation.”
It is worth recalling that the submarines in question were developed under a cooperative approach that also involves the German Navy, which so far stands as the other buyer of the new Type 212CD. In detail, Berlin already chose to move forward with the purchase of its four optional submarines in December 2024, which will match its fleet to that of its Nordic ally if the two boats originally ordered are also taken into account. Looking ahead—and beyond Europe—a third user could join the list if the Royal Canadian Navy opts to procure twelve units to replace the aging Victoria class.
According to the company, this approach has helped drive the design as a solution interoperable with other NATO forces, particularly in light of the requirements of two countries with a presence in the North Atlantic and the Arctic. It was also noted that the approach facilitated cooperation between both nations in technological development, while once the submarines are delivered there will also be an impact on crew training programs and the logistics networks required to operate them.
As an illustrative example, it is worth highlighting that both Germany and Norway have made joint progress in the development and manufacture of the new DM2A5 heavyweight torpedoes that will equip the Type 212CDs, particularly through the signing of a major production contract in December 2025. This weapon features new high-capacity batteries that provide greater speed and range than its predecessors, without sacrificing a low acoustic signature. It also integrates a new advanced digital sonar capable of operating in complex environments, and is characterized by a fiber-optic connection to the submarine to ensure precise target engagement.
Images used for illustrative purposes
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