The signs over the past few months have tended to point to failure. Now the German-Norwegian submarine project U 212 CD is reaching the finishing line. The Norwegian Ministry of Defence announced on 23 March that the two procurement organisations had reached an agreement with Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems on the contract for the class to be developed on a binational basis. In addition, there is apparently agreement on the joint purchase of missiles and the development of the Future Strike Missile.
Over the past few years, the deal has developed into a long hanging game. As a replacement for the six boats of the Ula-For the U 212 class, Norway decided on a joint design with Germany: U 212 CD, where CD stands for Common Design. Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems submitted the first offer in October 2018. It was updated in July 2019. In spring 2020, it was announced that the contract would be finalised by the end of the year.
In its announcement, the Norwegian government correctly points out that the treaty can only be finalised once it has passed the German Bundestag. In view of the parliamentary elections this year, parliamentary consideration should take place before the summer recess. The last sitting week, which is also the last of the 19th legislative period, is from 21 to 25 June. The defence budget includes 5.5 billion euros for the two boats destined for Germany.
Forsvarsmateriell, the Norwegian procurement authority, has earmarked more than 45 billion Norwegian kroner (approx. 4.43 billion euros) for the four Norwegian submarines, including VAT, a risk margin and implementation costs. Norway expects the first submarine to be delivered in 2029 and the procurement is expected to take ten years. According to older information, Germany will take over submarines number three and six in the series.
No technical details have yet been released. According to reports, the U 212 CD will be larger than the U 212 A operated by the German Navy.
Text: Hans-Uwe Mergener; Photo: Bundeswehr/Björn Wilke
English 
German
0 Kommentare