The Norwegian government intends to submit a new proposal to parliament in Oslo for the procurement of two additional Type-212CD submarines for the Norwegian Navy.
Lars Hoffmann / Hartpunkt
According to a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Defence, the government is following the unanimous parliamentary decision regarding the long-term defense plan, which calls for Norway to acquire a total of six new submarines. This recommendation was made by the Chief of the Armed Forces.
Norway has already signed a contract for the construction of four state-of-the-art Type 212CD submarines from the German supplier TKMS. Two of the Norwegian submarines are already under construction in Germany, and the first is scheduled for delivery to the Norwegian Navy in 2029, according to the announcement.
To expand the submarine project by two additional submarines, the government proposes increasing the budget by 46 billion crowns, including VAT, contingency reserves, and implementation costs. This would be equivalent to approximately 3.9 billion euros.
The statement said that the unit price for the submarines and their associated weapon systems had increased because critical raw materials and defense equipment had become more expensive compared to when the contract for the first four submarines was signed in 2021.
Furthermore, Norway is reportedly contributing to the financing of a second production line in Germany, which is necessary to ensure the new submarines can be built quickly enough. Finally, the overall cost of the submarine project is increasing, according to the statement, because the costs for procuring the first four submarines must be significantly adjusted to the current exchange rate. Observers had expected the government to issue a recommendation on the submarine procurement only next year, as long-term defense planning is currently being revised and aligned with available budgetary resources.
“We are in a very serious security situation. Norway and our allies must strengthen their defense capabilities while defense prices are rising. The government believes it is right to prioritize the procurement of two additional submarines now. This is an expensive investment, but also an important investment in Norway’s security in turbulent times,” Defense Minister Tore O. Sandvik said in a statement. Parliament must now decide on the government’s recommendation. The plan is then to sign the contract for the two new submarines before the bid deadline, Sandvik added.
TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard commented on the Norwegians’ intention, saying: “We are delighted by the Norwegian government’s announcement to procure two more Type 212CD submarines and to award TKMS the contract extension in the ongoing 212CD program. This increases the number of boats intended for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to a total of six.“
The German Federal Government had already voted in favor of procuring its four option boats in December 2024. This increased the number of Type 212CD submarines ordered from TKMS for the German Navy from the original two to a total of six.
“With the Norwegian order expansion, the program reaches its previously planned maximum order volume of a total of 12 submarines. The next phase involves the possibility of expanding the program to include potentially 12 Canadian submarines. TKMS, together with its German and Norwegian partners, is committed to this in the ongoing competitive bidding process,” said Burkhard.
According to Sandvik, Germany is one of Norway’s most important cooperation partners, a close ally, and a country with which Norway shares many common interests. The strategic partnership between the two partners combines the resources of two close allies to address shared security challenges.
Furthermore, the Norwegian government is proposing the procurement of long-range rocket artillery with a range of up to 500 kilometers, for which 19 billion kroner (equivalent to approximately 1.6 billion euros) are earmarked.
This article by Lars Hoffman was originally published in German language at Hartpunkt.de. It has been translated and republished with authorization.
