PARIS — Germany will purchase an additional four submarines from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to bring the total number of boats to six, in collaboration with Norway, which is also considering expanding its order, as per the German defense ministry.
Norway intends to acquire two more submarines in addition to the four already on order, according to a statement from the Bundeswehr procurement office. The two countries had previously announced a joint plan in 2021 to procure six 212 Common Design submarines from ThyssenKrupp, valued at approximately €5.5 billion (US$5.7 billion).
The submarine contract extension was revealed by Germany as part of a €21 billion defense expenditure approved by the Bundestag on Wednesday. Other approvals include the green light for the F127 anti-air warfare frigate, Elbit Systems’ PULS rocket artillery, missiles for the Patriot air-defense system, reactive armor for the Puma infantry fighting vehicle, and the development of sea-to-air missiles.
Annette Lehnigk-Emden, the head of the Bundeswehr procurement office, noted, “The partnership with our Norwegian counterpart will offer new deployment opportunities for both armed forces in national and alliance defense, particularly on NATO’s northern flank.”
According to ThyssenKrupp, the 212CD submarines for Germany and Norway are progressing on schedule. Production commenced in September 2023, and the six vessels for the German Navy will be delivered starting in 2032, with one boat annually through 2037. The Norwegian Navy is slated to receive its initial submarine of the new class as soon as 2029.
The 212CD submarine will measure around 74 meters in length, have a beam of 10 meters, and displace approximately 2,500 tons when surfaced. It is based on the 212A submarine currently in service with the German Navy, which measures roughly 58 meters in length and displaces 1,500 tons.
ThyssenKrupp anticipates that the advance payments linked to the expanded order will positively impact the cash flow in the current fiscal year. The company has invested over €250 million in its Kiel location in Germany to enhance production capacity for the submarine program by constructing a new shipbuilding hall. Additionally, ThyssenKrupp has acquired more shipyard capacity at the former MV Werften site in Wismar for the construction of submarines and surface vessels.
CEO Oliver Burkhard of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems stated, “With the expansion of the 212CD order, it is possible that other countries may join this project in the near future. Our strong position has now been further reinforced.”
The close collaboration with Norway is expected to result in operational, logistical, and maintenance synergies, leading to increased operational availability and cost savings, according to the defense ministry’s procurement office.
ThyssenKrupp had proposed an expeditionary version of the 212CD,
Part of a program within the Bundeswehr aimed at digitalizing land-based operations, Rheinmetall is responsible for approximately €730 million of the total contract volume, with the remaining €470 million allocated to blackned. Additionally, within the framework of this initiative, a project company established by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland secured a lucrative six-year contract valued at around €2 billion. This contract entails the outfitting of approximately 10,000 Bundeswehr vehicles with advanced digital radio equipment.
The distribution of this substantial contract sees each company, Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland, shouldering half of the order value. The project is scheduled to commence in mid-2025, with the comprehensive equipment conversion expected to be finalized by the conclusion of 2030, as outlined in a recent statement released by KNDS.
Rheinmetall’s CEO, Armin Papperger, expressed enthusiasm regarding the potential impact of the new technology on the Bundeswehr. He highlighted that the implementation of this cutting-edge technology will significantly enhance the command-and-control capabilities of army units, fostering improved interoperability within the Bundeswehr itself and with its NATO allies. Papperger’s remarks underscore the strategic importance and transformative potential of the digital radio equipment being integrated into the Bundeswehr’s operational infrastructure.
The collaboration between Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland represents a pivotal step towards modernizing and optimizing the Bundeswehr’s capabilities in line with contemporary technological advancements. By equipping a substantial portion of the Bundeswehr’s vehicle fleet with state-of-the-art digital radio equipment, this initiative is poised to revolutionize communication and operational efficiency within the armed forces.
Moreover, the financial commitment and technical expertise brought forth by Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland underscore the significance of public-private partnerships in driving innovation and progress within the defense sector. Through this collaborative effort, both companies are not only fulfilling contractual obligations but also contributing to the advancement of defense capabilities and national security.
The digitalization of land-based operations within the Bundeswehr represents a forward-looking approach to enhancing military readiness and effectiveness in an increasingly technologically driven landscape. By embracing digital transformation, the Bundeswehr is positioning itself to adapt to evolving threats, streamline operations, and enhance coordination both internally and with allied forces.
As the Bundeswehr continues to invest in cutting-edge technologies and capabilities, partnerships with industry leaders like Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland play a crucial role in driving innovation and ensuring the armed forces remain at the forefront of modern warfare. Through strategic collaborations and ambitious projects such as the digital radio equipment initiative, the Bundeswehr is demonstrating its commitment to leveraging technology for the benefit of national defense and security.
In conclusion, the substantial contract awarded to Rheinmetall and KNDS Deutschland signifies a significant milestone in the Bundeswehr’s journey towards digital transformation. This initiative not only underscores the importance of modernizing military capabilities but also highlights the value of collaboration between industry partners and the armed forces.
