Norway and Germany to develop new torpedo for submarines

9 December, 2024 German DM2A4 533mm torpedo. Photo: Atlas Elektronik Norway and Germany are developing a new 533mm torpedo for Type 212CD submarines.

This was reported by Hartpunkt. As part of a joint project, both countries plan to create an improved version of a 533 mm heavy torpedo that will be more powerful than the modern DM2A4 torpedoes currently in service with their navies. The torpedo development is called the Common Heavy Weight Torpedo (CHWT).

It is expected that this torpedo will become the main anti-submarine and anti-ship weapon for the advanced Type 212CD submarines.

Schematic comparison of the Type 212A and Type 212CD submarines. Photo: Naval News

"Further development is taking place within the framework of German-Norwegian cooperation to arm future Type 212CD submarines," the German Ministry of Defense spokesperson said. The exact cost, specifications, and year of adoption of the new torpedoes have not yet been disclosed.

However, given the plans to accept the first Type 212CD submarines into the Royal Norwegian Navy in 2029, the likely date of commissioning of the new torpedoes may be 2030. It should be noted that the CHWT torpedoes will replace the DM2A4 533 mm torpedoes developed by the German company Atlas Elektronik in the fleets of Germany and Norway. Although it has not been officially announced which company would participate in the development of the torpedo from Norway.

It is likely to be the Kongsberg Group, which already has considerable experience in the development and production of torpedoes.

A HNoMS Utvaer Ula-type submarine of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Photo: Norwegian Ministry of Defense

It should be noted that Germany is currently building two submarines of the new Type 212CD project, and the total order book is four for Norway and two for Germany. In addition, due to the deteriorating geopolitical situation, countries are likely to place additional orders.

Currently, the parties are discussing the possibility of increasing the total order to six boats for Norway and six to nine boats for Germany.

It will be recalled that the construction of the Type 212CD submarine project began on September 12, 2024 for the Royal Norwegian Navy, and the construction of the boat for the German Navy is scheduled to begin in the near future.

Earlier, Militarnyi reported that the Chief of the General Staff of Norway recommended a large-scale upgrade of the Navy and Coast Guard, which also involved an increase in the number of ships.