The new Type 212 common design (CD) submarines are being developed by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) under the Type 212CD programme.
The submarines are being procured by the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency and Bundesamt fur Ausrustnung, Informationstechnik und Nutzung der Bundeswehr in Germany.
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The development of the submarines will require an investment of approximately €5.5bn ($6.4bn).
The first submarine is due to be delivered to the Norwegian Navy in 2029, while the two vessels for the German Navy are expected to be delivered in 2032 and 2034. The new submarines will remain in service through the 2060s.
A purpose-built maintenance shipyard for the Norwegian and German 212CD submarines is being built at Haakonsvern Naval Base near Bergen, Norway, and is expected to be completed in time for the first boat to enter service. The facility will also accommodate the joint life cycle management office.
Type 212CD programme details
The German and Norwegian governments signed an agreement for the joint development, procurement, operation and maintenance of the submarines in June 2017. The cooperation also extends to naval missiles, strengthening the cooperation between the navies as well as expanding industrial, research and development cooperation.
TKMS and its business unit for naval electronic systems, ATLAS ELEKTRONIK, collaborated with Norwegian industrial partner Kongsberg Defense & Aerospace to form a joint venture, kta Naval Systems, for the development of the 212CD submarines and other combat systems in October 2017.
The contract for the development and procurement of four 212CD submarines for the Royal Norwegian Navy was placed in July 2021, while the construction of the first submarine commenced in September 2023.
In December 2024, the German Government extended its standing order of two submarines by ordering an additional four.
In January 2026, the Norwegian Government approved the purchase of two additional 212CD submarines, raising the Norwegian Navy’s planned fleet from four boats to six.
In July 2026, the Government of Canada selected TKMS as the preferred supplier for the Canadian Patrol Submarine Project, which could lead to the delivery of 12 212CD submarines.
The final proposal, scheduled to be signed by the end of 2027, is expected to generate C$167bn ($117.5bn) in total economic activity across Canada, deliver more than C$86bn in economic impact and support in excess of 650,000 job-years over the life of the project.
Type 212CD submarine design and features
The non-nuclear Type 212CD submarine will have a length of approximately 74m (242.78ft), a beam of 10m and a height of 13m. The surface displacement of the submarine will be 2,500m³.
Based on the Type 212A submarines, the new Type 212CD submarines will feature a hull made from non-magnetic steel and use a double-hull configuration based on an evolved, modified off-the-shelf design, modern combat systems, huge firepower and superior stealth technology.
Its auxiliary equipment includes a modular hydraulic station alongside platform systems designed to simplify maintenance.
The submarine’s unique diamond shape design will ensure significant target echo strength reduction, while fuel cell-based air-independent propulsion will allow it to stay submerged for several weeks with no extra signatures. Furthermore, the unique non-magnetic architecture makes the vessel undetectable to future magnetic anomaly detection sensors.
The fuel cell system from HDW offers a unique solution for non-nuclear submarine integration. It has been specially developed as a silent energy converter and an extension to a conventional propulsion system.
The design advancement minimises the technical and commercial risk, allowing for suitable and advanced improvements without affecting schedule and cost planning. Optimised for special operation forces, the submarines will be suitable for operations worldwide.
Combat management system
The Type 212CD submarines will be equipped with a new combat system called ORCCA. The fully integrated system combines maximum adaptability with the greatest degree of IT security. The system passed its Critical Design Review in September 2024, concluding the design phase of the project.
ORCCA is among the most advanced combat system for non-nuclear submarines available on the market. The system allows its operator to undertake an integrated data analysis from a range of onboard systems through a single multipurpose interface for sound and rapid decision-making.
The operators of ORCCA can interact as part of a unit in global missions such as Nato or EU. The communications between the onboard systems and the national and international domain modules are supported by dedicated IT infrastructure.
The solution enables more advanced AI-driven functions through a centralised data repository, associated databases and dedicated processing resources, and it can accommodate the integration of customer-developed algorithms. It also includes additional headroom to support future expansion.
Weapon systems on Type 212CD submarines
The Type 212CD submarines will be fitted with naval strike missile (NSM) type anti-ship guided missiles.
The NSM Block 1A missile is capable of engaging both marine and land targets with remarkable precision, particularly along the shore or coast.
The fifth-generation long-range precision attack missile is guided by an inertial navigation system and assisted by a military GPS receiver and laser altimeter.
The NSM’s stealthy design, along with the unique passive infrared and imaging sensors, make it extremely difficult to detect, while increasing accuracy and reducing collateral damage.
The 212CD submarine will also be armed with heavyweight torpedoes and include torpedo countermeasures. It is also being fitted to support UxV operations and off-board sensor systems.
Control and navigation
The submarine will be equipped with an integrated command and control suite, supported by a standardised network and server infrastructure. Processing is virtualised and built around a server-based architecture. The sensor fit will provide 360-degree coverage through a mix of active and passive systems including non-penetrating optical sensors.
Navigation will also be handled via a Navigation Data Distribution System, incorporating high accuracy inertial navigation and an Electronic Chart Display and Information System.
The communications suite will include an integrated radio system for both tactical and administrative use, complemented by electronic support measures and a weapon control system.
The submarines will also be equipped with an optronic system consisting of an OMS150 optronic mast system and an OMS300. In its multispectral configuration, the OMS150 will support search and surveillance tasks, while the OMS300 stealth optronic mast will be used for the attack role.
Propulsion and power
The 212CD submarine propulsion plant includes two diesel generator sets, a next-generation PERMASYN® motor and an advanced submarine fuel cell system, with provision for lithium-ion battery technology.
Its electric plant features separate alternating current and direct current networks, efficient controllable servo drives, a high-end LED lighting system, an integrated platform management system and a degaussing system.
Contractors involved
In December 2025, Kongsberg Defence and Aerospace signed a contract with KTA Naval Systems to supply ORCCA combat system components for four 212CD submarines for the German Navy and two for Norway.
In April 2026, Indra Group signed a contract with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace to supply electronic warfare and radar systems for six additional submarines under the Type 212CD programme, which Germany and Norway plan to add to their fleets.
The agreement builds on work already in progress, through which Indra is providing the same capabilities for another six submarines for the same two countries. Under the deal, Indra will deliver a fully digital electronic warfare system and an advanced radar for the submarines.
HENSOLDT secured a contract to supply an optronic suite comprising an OMS150 optronic mast system and an OMS300 for each new boat.
