German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius wants to purchase four submarines in a deal worth over 4.7 billion euros ($5 billion) that must be put to a parliamentary spending committee for approval, two sources told Reuters on Friday, confirming a news report.
In a request submitted to the committee, the ministry says the acquisition is needed for Germany to fulfil new NATO requirements for better protection of the alliance’s northern
flank, according to Spiegel news magazine, which has seen the documents.
Spiegel reported that the ministry is seeking to procure four more submarines of the type U212CD, manufactured by Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
Members of the budget committee told Reuters that they are analysing the proposal.
“We are paying particular attention to the proposal to purchase additional submarines due to its importance in terms of security policy, but also because of the high amount of funds
required,” Karsten Klein, member of the budget committee from the Free Democrats (FDP), said.
The U212CD boats are a substantial evolution of the Type 212A design in service with the Italian and German navies. It is larger with a submerged displacement of 2,500 tons as against 1,500 tons for the 212A. It is 73 metres in length vs 57 metres for the 212A, and has a hull diameter of 10 metres against seven metres for the 212A.
It has a lower acoustic signature, significantly reduced target echo strength due to the diamond shaped hull, use of amagnetic steel for the pressure hull, advanced fuel cell technology, enhanced sensors and updated command and control weapons control.
Its ORCCA Combat System is the product of three firms: Thyssenkrupp, Atlas Elektronic and Kongsberg Defense.
A similar submarine has been proposed for the Netherlands Navy, the only difference being in a hull insert that will ensure bigger fuel capacity and thus longer endurance, and improved accommodation for extended missions.
With Reuters inputs
