“Submarines are an important strategic capability in Norwegian maritime areas, helping to deter potential adversaries and strengthen the defense of Norwegian interests in an unsettled time. The government will therefore acquire two additional submarines for the Armed Forces.”
“Norway is a coastal and maritime nation, and submarines are absolutely central to the defence of our country. We see that activity by Russian forces in the North Atlantic and the Barents Sea has increased. As NATO’s eyes and ears in the north, this places greater demands on our ability to demonstrate presence, conduct surveillance, and deter threats in our nearby areas. In this context, submarines are completely indispensable,” says Minister of Defence Tore O. Sandvik (Labour Party).
Norway has previously signed a contract with the German supplier thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) for the construction of four state-of-the-art submarines. Two of the Norwegian submarines are already under construction in Germany, and the first submarine is expected to be delivered to the Royal Norwegian Navy in 2029.
In a new proposal to be presented to the Storting (the Norwegian Parliament), the government proposes expanding the submarine project with two additional submarines. This follows up on the Storting’s unanimous decision during its consideration of the long-term defence plan that Norway shall acquire a total of six new submarines.
“The Chief of Defence has given a clear recommendation to acquire six submarines. With six submarines, the Armed Forces will be able to operate several vessels in multiple locations at any given time. This will have a strong deterrent effect on a potential adversary. It will also help strengthen NATO’s overall ability to ensure control and defence in the North Atlantic and the High North,” says Sandvik.
A Costly Investment
To expand the submarine project with two additional submarines, the government proposes increasing the cost framework by NOK 46 billion, including VAT, contingency reserves, and implementation costs.
The unit cost of the submarines, including associated weapons systems, has increased as a result of higher prices for critical raw materials and defence equipment compared with when the contract for the first four submarines was signed in 2021.
In addition, Norway is helping to finance the establishment of a second production line in Germany, which must be put in place for the new submarines to be built quickly enough. Furthermore, the need for weapons systems and upgrades for all six submarines contributes to rising costs. Finally, the total cost of the submarine project increases because the costs associated with the acquisition of the first four submarines must be significantly adjusted to reflect current exchange rates.
“We are facing a very serious security policy situation. Norway and our allies must strengthen defense capabilities, while prices for defense equipment are rising. The government believes it is right to prioritize the acquisition of two additional submarines now. It is an expensive investment, but also an important investment in safeguarding Norway in an unsettled time,” says Sandvik.
“Now the Storting will decide on the government’s recommendation. We then aim to sign the contract for the two new submarines before the offer deadline expires,” says Sandvik.
Germany is one of Norway’s most important partners, a close ally, and a country with which we share many common interests. The German–Norwegian defense cooperation underscores the importance of long-term, strategic relationships in addressing a more unpredictable security environment. The strategic partnership pools the resources of two close allies to address shared security challenges. Joint investments and projects in submarine technology, main battle tanks, and air defense provide both countries with improved operational capabilities.
The illustration shows Norway as seen from the North Pole and depicts Norway’s coastal and maritime areas, including the seabed.
Photo: Norwegian Polar Institute