Norway has approved plans to procure two more Class 212CD submarines for the Royal Norwegian Navy, raising the total planned force to six as part of its long-term undersea warfare strategy.
The move, endorsed following advice from Chief of Defence General Eirik Kristoffersen, is aimed at improving fleet availability and maintaining continuous submarine operations.
To fund the expanded acquisition, the Norwegian government has proposed increasing the programme budget by 46 billion kroner, equivalent to approximately $4.77 billion.
The country is currently acquiring four 212CD submarines from thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, with two boats already in build in Germany and the first expected to be delivered in 2029.
Together with Germany’s commitments, the combined 212CD programme has now reached its planned maximum of 12 submarines.
To support the higher production rate, Norway will co-finance the creation of a second submarine production line in Germany, a measure intended to safeguard delivery timelines.
The joint German–Norwegian programme seeks to generate economies of scale through shared development, training, crewing, logistics, and maintenance, while delivering a platform fully interoperable with NATO forces and optimised for high-end missions, including Arctic operations.
Compared with the Type 212A, the 212CD is significantly larger, with a length of roughly 73 metres and a displacement of about 2,500 tonnes, versus 56 metres and 1,524 tonnes for the earlier class.
The design incorporates upgraded sensor suites, greater operational range, and a reduced acoustic signature to support covert and persistent operations.
The submarines will be armed with DM2A4 heavyweight torpedoes and the SeaSpider anti-torpedo defence system, with additional options under consideration including a submarine-launched Naval Strike Missile and a jointly developed supersonic strike missile.
Looking ahead, the programme could be expanded to supply up to 12 submarines for Canada, with TKMS working alongside German and Norwegian partners in the ongoing competition.
