Milestone reached in German-Norwegian Type 212CD submarine program

• Design phase of 212CD class submarines successfully completed

• German-Norwegian cooperation ensures timely progress

• Germany and Norway considering increasing the number of submarines ordered

thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has reached an important milestone in the German-Norwegian submarine program: the design phase for the six Type 212CD submarines has been successfully concluded on schedule with the “Critical Design Review” (CDR). This success marks a key step forward in the construction of these state-of-the-art submarines. The CDR ensures that the requirements and expectations of the customers and of thyssenkrupp Marine Systems have been implemented in the final design.

Christian Rogge, Head of Operating Unit Submarines at thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, underlines the significance of the project progress: “We are proud to have reached this important milestone. This means that we have now created all the conditions necessary for the construction of the 212CD submarines. Throughout the entire process, a shared understanding of the design and the design documentation ensured that gaps, risks and problems were identified at an early stage. This helps us to optimally align the planning, procurement and manufacturing chains with the project requirements.”

In close cooperation with the German-Norwegian Joint Project Organization, the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency Forsvarsmateriell and the German procurement authority for the armed forces (BAAINBw), thyssenkrupp Marine Systems has reviewed more than 100,000 pages of documentation over the last three years to ensure that the designs meet the complex and extensive requirements of the clients.

In the next step, the production of the submarines will be intensified on the basis of the developed design specifications. The first tests are scheduled to begin in 2027. Delivery of the first submarine to the Norwegian Navy is scheduled for 2029.

Both Germany and Norway are considering increasing the number of submarines on order. Christian Rogge emphasizes: “We are pleased with the positive signals from Germany and Norway. This underscores the need for our products. The latest advances in the design process have shown that we are meeting customer requirements and that the technical conditions are in place. We also have sufficient production capacity. We are ready when further option boats are needed.”

Political decisions are expected in both Germany and Norway in the coming months. A positive decision would be a strong signal for the Kiel site and beyond.