Naval Systems

Type 212A submarine

The Type 212A submarine is Germany's six-boat hybrid diesel-electric attack submarine class, built by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft for the German Navy. Bundeswehr and NTI describe it as a low-signature AIP boat with fuel cells, six 533 mm torpedo tubes, and a mission set that includes covert patrol, reconnaissance, and special-operations support.

Specifications

Length
56.0 m
Displacement
1,830 t submerged; 1,450 t surfaced
Crew
28
Propulsion
Hybrid diesel-electric propulsion with fuel cells
Armament
6 × torpedo tubes for DM2A4 heavyweight torpedoes
Sensors
DSQS-21G bow sonar, FAS 3-1 side sonar, PRS 3-15 passive ranging sonar, TAS 83/DTA 50 towed sonar
Endurance
Up to 2 weeks submerged

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
The German Navy commissioned U 31 through U 36 between 2005 and 2016; U 35 later deployed to Operation Irini in the central Mediterranean for embargo-monitoring and reconnaissance duties.
Used by
German Navy

Conflict Usage

German Navy Type 212A submarines were used in NATO maritime counter-terrorism and embargo-monitoring operations. U-34 deployed to Operation Active Endeavour in the Mediterranean in 2009, and U-35 deployed to EUNAVFOR MED Operation Irini in 2021 as a long-range covert reconnaissance platform to help monitor/enforce the UN arms embargo on Libya. I found deployment/mission use, not confirmed combat firing by the class.

Timeline

Type 212A submarine Key Events

  1. First German boats commissioned

    U 31 and U 32 entered service with the German Navy, beginning the class's commissioned fleet.

    Sources: U-Boot-Klasse 212A - Bundeswehr

  2. U 35 sails for Operation Irini

    U 35 left Eckernförde for the Mediterranean to take part in the EU's Operation Irini.

    Sources: U-Boot „U 35“ unterwegs zum Mittelmeer-Einsatz - Bundeswehr

  3. U 35 returns from Irini

    The submarine returned to its home port after operating in the central and southern Mediterranean.

    Sources: EU-Einsatz Irini: „U 35“ zurück in der Heimat - Bundeswehr

Type 212A submarine Images

Related Weapon Systems

Sources