The Type 212 submarine class was developed by German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG. Type 212 submarines run on diesel propulsion. They are also air-independent. This type of submarine also uses Siemens proton exchange membrane compressed hydrogen fuel cells. As a result, they are able to operate in a variety of sea conditions, including extreme cold.
thyssenkrupp marine systems
Thyssenkrupp's Marine Systems has announced a contract to build six Type 212CD submarines for the German Navy. According to the company's statement, the submarines were designed to be the best non-nuclear submarines in the world. Construction of the first new submarine could begin in 2023.
Currently, there are six Type 212 submarines in the German Navy. Another two are currently planned under a joint project with Norway. Six identical submarines from the German Navy will be delivered to the Norwegian Navy, as well as six other vessels for the German Navy.
Kongsberg defence & aerospace
The Norwegian and German navies reached an agreement to buy new Type 212CD submarines by Kongsberg defense & aerospace. This deal is part of a larger program that will continue into the 2030s. The submarine missile development, procurement, operation and maintenance of the new submarines will be shared by the two countries.
These contracts are worth 70 millions euros and 72.9million euros, respectively. They will equip future German or Norwegian type 221CD submarines using advanced technology. These systems will offer the highest level of safety and capability for submerged operations.
German Navy
A German Navy sailor took a walkthrough video of the U34 submarine, a Type 212A air-independent-propulsion submarine, during the German-sponsored exercise Northern Coasts 2016. The U34, a sophisticated non-nuclear submersible capable of remaining submerged for at least three weeks without the need to resurface, is highly advanced. The propulsion system is powered by Siemens-developed proton Exchange Membrane Compressed Hydrogen Fuel Cells.
The Type 212 submarine is the newest, non-nuclear submarine in the German Navy's fleet. Developed in Kiel, this submarine has air-independent propulsion powered by hydrogen fuel cells. It has a low-noise signature, can stay underwater for up three weeks without being spotted and is capable of maintaining its position. It features an unique "X" configuration, which allows it to track and perform special operations.
Special Forces submarines
German submarine Type 212. It is a stealthy sub with a top speed of 23 mph and is intended as a reconnaissance boat. Its armament includes torpedoes. It has six torpedo tube, which can each fire 13 533-millimeter DM2A4 Seahake grenades. Type 212 can hold up to 24 mines.
The Type 212 is manned with five officers and twenty two sailors. It can operate in water upto 17 meters deep and near the shore. It also features a prismatic hull design, which makes it less likely to be detected by magnetic naval mines.