The agreement, signed in Koblenz by Bundeswehr Procurement Agency President Annette Lehnigk-Emden and tkMS CEO Oliver Burkhard, reflects strong confidence in tkMS’s capabilities. The expanded order will provide significant upfront payments, positively impacting cash flow in the current financial year and enabling progress on project milestones.
Norway has also indicated its intention to further increase its submarine orders under this programme. CEO Oliver Burkhard emphasised the strategic importance of this contract, stating, “We are delighted at the trust that the German government has once again placed in us with the additional order for the world’s most modern conventional submarine.”
The new Type 212CD submarines represent a leap forward from the current 212A models, offering enhanced situational awareness, superior networking with allied units, and a reduced operational signature. These advancements require state-of-the-art production facilities, which tkMS has been investing in since 2019, including a €250 million upgrade to its Kiel location and additional shipyard capacity at the former MV WERFTEN site in Wismar.
To support the programme, tkMS is strengthening its industrial partnerships, including its collaboration with Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace (KDA) in Norway. The company has also laid the foundation for new service yard capacities in Norway, ensuring streamlined operations, logistics, and maintenance for the submarines.
This contract expansion further solidifies tkMS’s position as a leader in the global defence shipbuilding market. It complements recent successes, including the delivery of a MEKO® A-200 frigate to Egypt and ongoing projects for Germany, Norway, Singapore, and Brazil. Oliver Burkhard stated, “With the expansion of the 212CD order, other countries could join this project in the near future. Our strong position has now become even stronger.”
