Norway extends submarine programme

The Norwegian government has approved the procurement of two additional Class 212CD submarines.

With the formal signing of the contract, thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has secured a significant order extension under the ongoing 212CD programme—one of the largest in the company’s history. The decision increases the number of submarines planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to six.

The Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency tells Defence Nordic that the total value of the programme is approximately 8.8 billion euros (NOK 100 billion). 

The programme is subject to a 100 pct. industrial offset requirement mandated by the Norwegian government.

In a press release, TKMS CEO Oliver Burkhard underlined the strategic importance of the German - Norwegian submarine programme and the Norwegian order extension:

- With this strategically important and now expanding project, we are making a decisive contribution to strengthening Europe’s defence capabilities and to the relationship between the two countries. We are equally pleased by the continued trust in the quality of our work and products, as well as in the existing partnership.

In 2024, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence selected Germany as one of four countries for discussions on a potential strategic partnership for the delivery of new frigates to replace the Royal Norwegian Navy’s current Fridtjof Nansen-class vessels.

In June 2025, Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and TKMS entered into a cooperation agreement aimed at further strengthening industrial collaboration to support the defence requirements of Norway, Germany and other allied nations.

The industrial relationship extends further back. In October, KTA Naval Systems AS was established as a joint venture between thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, its Naval Electronic Systems business unit, and Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace.

KTA Naval Systems is now responsible for developing combat systems for non-nuclear submarines.