- The Norwegian government commissions TKMS to build two additional 212CD submarines.
- The number of submarines planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy increases from four to a total of six.
Kiel/Oslo, January 30, 2026 – The Norwegian government has approved the procurement of two additional Class 212CD submarines. With the official signing of the contract, TKMS has received a comprehensive order extension in the ongoing 212CD program – one of the largest orders in the company's history. This increases the number of boats planned for the Royal Norwegian Navy from four to a total of six.
CEO Oliver Burkhard emphasizes the importance of the German-Norwegian submarine program and the Norwegian order extension: “With this strategically important and now growing project, we are making a decisive contribution to strengthening Europe's defense capabilities and the relationship between the two countries. We are equally pleased about the continued trust placed in the quality of our work and products, as well as the existing partnership.”
With advanced situational awareness capabilities, enhanced connectivity with allied units, and an even lower signature, the Class 212CD sets new standards worldwide as the most advanced conventional submarine.
The cooperative approach not only offers a solution that is compatible with NATO forces and meets demanding global operational standards, including those in the Arctic, but also provides advantages in terms of cooperation in research and development, training, crew, logistics, and maintenance. This results in positive effects in terms of costs and added value for German and Norwegian industry.
The German federal government signed the contract for the procurement of its four optional submarines back in December 2024. This increased the number of 212CD submarines ordered from TKMS for the German Navy from the original two to a total of six submarines. With the Norwegian order extension, the program has now reached its planned maximum order volume of twelve submarines.
The next phase involves the possibility of expanding the program to potentially include up to twelve Canadian submarines. TKMS is working with its German and Norwegian partners in the ongoing competitive bidding process to achieve this.
About us
TKMS is one of the world’s leading naval companies with more than 9,100 employees (including temporary workers) at three shipyards in Kiel, Wismar and Itajaí (Brazil), and with locations worldwide. The company is active as a systems supplier for submarines and naval surface vessels as well as for maritime electronics and security technologies. Around 3,300 employees work at the Kiel site, making it the largest shipyard location in Germany. 185 years of history and the constant striving for improvement allow the company to set new standards time and time again. TKMS offers its customers worldwide tailored solutions to meet the highly complex challenges of a changing world. The driving forces behind this innovative energy are the company’s employees, who shape the future of TKMS with passion and commitment every day.
