The Type 212 submarine class was developed by German company Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG. The Type 212 submarines are air-independent and feature diesel propulsion. This submarine also uses Siemens proton exchanging membrane compressed hydrogen fuels cells. Because of this, they can operate in various sea conditions, even extreme cold.
thyssenkrupp marine systems
Thyssenkrupp marine systems has announced a deal to build six Type 212CD submarines for the German Navy. According to the company, the submarines are the world's most advanced and non-nuclear submarines. Construction of the first of these submarines could begin in 2023.
Currently, six Type 212 submarines are part of the German Navy. Another two are currently planned under a joint project with Norway. Six identical submarines were built for the Norwegian Navy and German Navy by the German shipbuilder.
Kongsberg defence & aerospace
The Norwegian and German navies reached an agreement to buy new Type 212CD submarines by Kongsberg defense & aerospace. This agreement is part a larger program that will go on into the 2030s. The submarine missile development, procurement, operation and maintenance of the new submarines will be shared by the two countries.
The contracts are valued at 70 million euros and 72.9 million euros respectively, and will equip future German and Norwegian type 212CD submarines with advanced technology. These systems will provide submerged operations with the highest safety and capability.
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 advanced non-nuclear submarine can be submerged for up three weeks and not resurfacing. It uses Siemens-developed hydrogen fuel cells that are compressed by proton exchange membranes.
The Type 212 submarine, the latest non-nuclear submarine to join the fleet of the German Navy, is now available. The submarine was designed in Kiel and has an independent propulsion powered with hydrogen fuel cells. It is said to have a low-noise signature and can stay under water for up to three weeks without surfacing. It also features an exclusive "X" configuration for special operations and tracking planes.
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 consists of torpedoes. It comes with six torpedo tubes capable of firing up 13 533 mm DM2A4 Seahake missile torpedoes. In addition to torpedo tubes, the Type 212 can carry up to 24 mines.
Five officers and 22 sailors are on the Type 212. It can operate in as little as 17 meters of water, and it can also be operated close to the shore. It has a prismatic design with cross-sections of the hull that are less likely to be detected using magnetic naval mines.