Internationale ontwikkelingen op onderzeebootgebied.

[Parera]

Geen echte ontwikkeling op defensie gebied, maar wel een interessante.

Africa's only submarine museum finally comes ashore



Cape Town, 15 August 2023 - Nearly eight years since it was closed to visitors, South Africa's famous submarine museum is coming ashore thanks to two specially constructed cradles from shipbuilder Damen Shipyards Cape Town (DSCT).

The Assegaai Submarine Museum is the only preserved naval submarine on the continent. There are 124 preserved naval submarines in the world - only six are in the southern hemisphere and the Assegaai Submarine will be the first in Africa.

The two cradles, each 3.6m long x 9.1m wide, weigh 7 tonnes and were built using steel salvaged from old Damen ship transport cradles. DSCT has donated the cradles. On 14 August the cradles were officially handed over the Chief of the South African Navy Vice Admiral Monde Lobese. At the same ceremony Vice Admiral Lobese also handed over certificates of appreciation to the DSCT employees who worked on the cradle construction.

Speaking at the unveiling of the cradles and submarine in Cape Town Vice on Monday Admiral Lobese said: "Today we also celebrate the hard work, dedication, perseverance and never-give-up attitude of a handful of volunteers who absolutely refused to give up on their dream. That dream was to make sure that we as the South African Navy, can have the first – and only – submarine museum on the African continent. Once the Assegaai Museum is in place, she will be the 125th museum submarine in the world, but only the 7th in the Southern Hemisphere and the first one in Africa! This is indeed a noteworthy accomplishment."

Work on the cradles started on November 2022. The submarine vessel will then be moved from the synchro lift where it is currently held to its display position and placed on the newly built foundations. The cradles will hold the submarine in place when it takes up its home next to the False Bay Yacht Club and NSRI Station 10 in Simon's Town.

The museum was closed to the public in 2015 and will reopen once the Naval Heritage Trust has secured the necessary funding.

"Damen was approached by the Submarine Museum Team acting for the Naval Heritage Trust on behalf of the Naval Museum, as we have experience in this field and were willing to sponsor their part of the work required," says Wafeeq Fakier, DSCT's Project Manager for the construction of the cradles. "We were happy to help with the preservation of this historic naval vessel which will bring much joy to maritime enthusiasts once it opens its hatch to the public."

To build the new cradles old Damen transport cradles were cut up to provide the components which were welded together into the new required design and form. The components were then transported to the ARMSCOR Naval Dockyard Simon's Town to be assembled.

The static submarine museum will be managed and operated by the combined efforts of the Naval Heritage Trust, the local non-profit Facility Management Company (STADCO), and the South African Navy Museum. As in the past, guided tours will be conducted by volunteers and ex-submariners and the submarine will also be available for a variety of other activities such as company functions, school learning opportunities and even evening functions.

The Trust is currently in the process of trying to secure further sponsorship to ensure that the Submarine Museum can be realised in a reasonable time frame. Among the costs that need to be covered are R1.8m to move the submarine and R3m for the repair and restoration of the external hull of the vessel.  Retired Rear Admiral (JG) Digby Thomson is one of several retired navy men who is assisting on the Naval Heritage Trust Submarine Museum Project. Thomson says: "We have raised about forty percent of the money we need to move the vessel. Once we have moved her, we will cut two holes forward and aft to allow for tour groups. We will use the funds from the visitors to finalise her look and make her more presentable to the public."

The Assegai Submarine Museum is the last remaining of three French-built Daphné Class submarines operated by the South African Navy during the 70s, 80s and part of the 90s and successfully operated as a museum from 2008 to 2015 with the vessel lying alongside the outer wall of the Simon's Town harbour. After 2015, the vessel required external maintenance and was kept on the synchro lift inside the harbour. The Museum has been closed ever since.

In the four and a half years it was open the submarine had received over 57 000 visitors from 110 countries.

"I personally believe that everybody should at least visit the inside of a submarine once in their lifetime, just for the experience, to have a look at the technology and to be able to say that they have been there and done it. It really is a fascinating world," Thomson says.

https://www.damen.com/insights-center/news/africa-s-only-submarine-museum-finally-comes-ashore

[Harald]

Fincantieri Wins Order For 3rd U212 NSF For Italian Navy



OCCAR (Organisation Conjointe de Coopération en matière d'Armement, the international organization for joint armament cooperation) has exercised the construction of the third new generation submarine related to the U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) program for the Italian Navy assigned to Fincantieri.

Fincantieri press release

The vessel has a total value of more than euro 500 million, including the integrated support service, and will be delivered in 2030. Future program development also contemplates an additional 160 million for future additional activities or provision of specific additional capabilities required by the Navy.

The U212 NFS submarines will be highly innovative, with significant design modifications which will all be developed independently by Fincantieri, which holds the role of Design Authority, in accordance with the requirements of the Navy. The program responds to the need to secure adequate underwater spatial surveillance and control capacity, considering the future complex scenarios of underwater operations and that the operational lifetime of the 4 "Sauro" class submarines, currently in service, is drawing near. It also aims at upholding and further developing Fincantieri's acquired strategic and innovative industrial know-how, as well as consolidating the technological lead attained by the company and its supply chain, major industries, and small and medium-sized enterprises of the sector, enhancing the presence on board of technologically advanced component parts developed by Italian industries.

The tasks that submarines perform for the benefit of the community are manifold. On a daily basis, Navy submarines are engaged in the surveillance of maritime communication routes and the underwater dimension, including within NATO and EU alliances. It is a role that is becoming increasingly important in light of the country's interests that reside below the surface of the sea, from seabed resources to underwater energy and communications infrastructure.

Naval News comments:

Fincantieri started the construction of the second U212 NFS (Near Future Submarine) for the Italian Navy in the Muggiano shipyard at La Spezia in June 2023. The program passed the critical design milestone in February 2023.

The submarines will feature Lithium Ion batteries among new technologies.

[Harald]

First Invincible-Class Submarine Arrives In Singapore

The Republic of Singapore Navy's first TKMS-built Invincible-class submarine, Impeccable, reached its homeport today.




Singapore Mindef press release

The Republic of Singapore Navy (RSN)'s Invincible-class submarine, Impeccable, was received in Singapore in a homecoming ceremony held at RSS Singapura – Changi Naval Base today. Chief of Navy Rear Admiral Sean Wat, senior RSN officers and submariners were present to witness the ceremony.

Launched in Kiel, Germany on 13 Dec 2022, Impeccable is one of four Invincible-class submarines designed for operations in Singapore's shallow and busy tropical waters. Custom-built for Singapore's needs, these submarines possess state-of-the-art capabilities, including high levels of automation, significant payload capacity, enhanced underwater endurance, and ergonomics optimised for the Asian physique. Their induction into the RSN will further enhance its capability to safeguard Singapore and protect its vital sea lines of communication.

Impeccable will be undergoing a series of local sea trials and workup towards full operationalisation. Invincible remains in Germany to support the training of RSN submariners, while the last two submarines are progressing well in their project development in Germany.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/07/first-invincible-class-submarine-arrives-in-singapore/

[Master Mack]

Kijk vanuit de Noordelijke scheepsbouw alliantie zie ik meer in de onderste allinea dat Saab en Damen de Duitse werf overnemen of een partnerschap aangaan. Twee vliegen in 1 klap voor Damen

This stance is emblematic of a wider consolidation trend in the European defense sector. As companies strive to remain competitive in the global market, they are increasingly seeking partnerships and mergers. Against this backdrop, Folgiero's remarks and overtures towards Thyssenkrupp could be a sign of impending strategic shifts within the industry.

Considering the evolving dynamics of the defense sector, an alternative possibility has emerged with the idea of a partnership between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Saab, and Damen

[Harald]

Fincantieri enters the fray and makes a proposal to TKMS 
( overname RKMS onderzeeboot tak door Fincanteiri ?? Vanuit de Italiaanse onderzeeboot plannen kan ik het begrijpen )

According to information published by Suddeutsche Zeitung on July 17, 2023, Fincantieri's CEO, Pierroberto Folgiero, is calling for more significant collaboration among European defense corporations.

This plea comes as Thyssenkrupp, the German steel giant, is considering separating its shipyard subsidiary. Folgiero firmly believes that collaboration is essential in today's dynamic environment.

Given the multitude of issues facing the defense sector, from geopolitical uncertainties to fast-paced technological developments, Folgiero suggests that fostering cooperation can generate synergies, exchange knowledge, and stimulate collective ingenuity to better tackle these obstacles.

Folgiero has made his interest in partnering with Thyssenkrupp known. He has asserted his readiness to cooperate with the German steel powerhouse's shipyard offshoot.

While the precise details of this potential partnership remain undisclosed, his statement reflects Fincantieri's forward-thinking stance towards seeking out alliances.


Artist rendering of the future U212 Near Future Submarine, a partnership between OCCAR, TKMS, and Fincantieri. (Picture source: OCCAR)

This stance is emblematic of a wider consolidation trend in the European defense sector. As companies strive to remain competitive in the global market, they are increasingly seeking partnerships and mergers. Against this backdrop, Folgiero's remarks and overtures towards Thyssenkrupp could be a sign of impending strategic shifts within the industry.

Considering the evolving dynamics of the defense sector, an alternative possibility has emerged with the idea of a partnership between ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), Saab, and Damen Shipyards Group.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13364-fincantieri-enters-the-fray-and-makes-a-proposal-to-tkms.html

[Harald]

It's Official: India OKs Purchase for 3 Scorpene Subs from France

The DAC also granted the AoN for procurement of three additional Scorpene submarines under Buy (Indian) category which will be constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL). The procurement of additional submarines, with higher indigenous content, will not only help in maintaining required force level and operational readiness of the Indian Navy, but also create significant employment opportunities in the domestic sector. It will also help the MDL in further enhancing its capability and expertise in submarine construction.

https://www.defense-aerospace.com/its-official-india-oks-purchase-of-26-rafales-and-3-scorpene-subs-from-france/

[Harald]

Navantia partners with Larsen & Toubro for India Navy's Project 75

According to a PR published by Navantia on July 10, 2023, Indian multinational Larsen & Toubro (L&T) and the Spanish firm have signed a teaming agreement to submit a joint techno-commercial bid for the Indian Navy's Project 75 (India) submarine program.

The signing ceremony was attended by significant figures, including L&T CEO & MD S N Subrahmanyan and Navantia's Naval Construction Vice President, Augustin Alvarez Blanco, at the Spanish Embassy in New Delhi.

The project calls for six conventional submarines equipped with Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems, with a targeted indigenous content. Project 75 (India), expected to exceed a value of Euro 4.8 billion, is India's largest defense acquisition, followed by a similarly valued 30-year lifecycle sustenance contract.

Navantia's involvement will involve the design of P75(I) submarines, based on their S80 class, the first of which is set to be delivered to the Spanish Navy by the end of 2023. This isn't Navantia's first venture into submarine design and construction; it has a history of collaboration with France's Naval Group for Scorpéne class submarines, also constructed in India.

The project will leverage Navantia's advanced 3rd Generation AIP system, touted as efficient, compact, easy-to-maintain, and environmentally friendly. The system employs bioethanol, a cost-efficient and widely accessible hydrogen source, eliminating storage risks associated with hydrogen.

In addition to this collaboration, L&T and Navantia are exploring cooperation in other military and green energy programs, such as offshore wind via Navantia's Seanergies division.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/july/13326-navantia-partners-with-larsen-toubro-for-india-navy-s-project-75.html

[Harald]

Sweden To Assist Australia For Submarine Upgrade Program

Through The Swedish Defence Materiel Administration (FMV) and its Australian counterpart, Sweden and Australia have reached an agreement on the use of Swedish submarine technology as part of long-term bilateral cooperation between the countries.

Swedish Defence Materiel Administration press release – Translated by Naval News

The collaboration will allow Australia to use new Swedish technology owned by FMV in the modernization of its existing submarine fleet.

Australia plans to modernize and extend the service life of its Collins-class submarines, which were developed by Kockums AB and built by Australian submarine yard ASC Pty Ltd (ASC) in the 1980s and 1990s.

The agreement will enable a long-term collaboration in which ASC will contract Sweden's Saab Kockums AB to further develop the submarine class.

"Both Sweden and Australia consider the submarine sector to be of great strategic importance for defense capability. The cooperation shows that Swedish submarine technology is in demand and FMV looks forward to long-term cooperation between the countries."

General Goeran Mårtensson, Director of FMV

The Collins class, which consists of six submarines, was developed from Sweden's Vaestergoetland-class. Sweden has since developed the Gotland-class, and Saab Kockums is currently building a new generation of Blekinge-class (A26) submarines on behalf of FMV.

https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/06/sweden-to-assist-australia-for-submarine-upgrade-program/

[Parera]

Als de Denen weer hun OZB gaan optuigen, dan denk ik dat de type 212CD de meeste kans heeft, voor mijn gevoel.

Ik denk inderdaad de Type 212CD als grote kanshebber gevolgd door de A26 als 2e kandidaat. De A26 dan wel in de uitvoering zoals de Zweden deze bouwen en niet het ontwerp waar onze vWalrus proposal van op tafel ligt.

Ze hebben een stevig overzees gebied, (Groenland) maar of een nieuwe geopolitieke realiteit de aanzet zal geven om hun oude manier van opereren bij herintroductie van onderzeeboten aan te passen van regionaal naar expeditionair is een goede vraag.

Ik zou pleiten voor ja, er zijn immers genoeg kustwaterboten in de regio en het worden er alleen maar meer nu ook Polen serieus werk lijkt te gaan maken om onderzeeboten te gaan vervangen.

De Noordpool regio en de GIUK gap staan weer nadrukkelijk op de Geopolitieke agenda.

Dat klinkt natuurlijk als een prima plan, maar ik zie het de Denen niet doen. De Type 212CD batch2 ( 2x NOR, 2x DEU + 2/3/4x DEN) zou een hele goede optie zijn voor de Denen om aan te sluiten bij een onderzeeboot die geschikt is voor de lange afstanden naar Groenland maar ook voor de kust wateren rondom Denemarken zelf.

[Harald]

Denmark considering military submarines after almost 20 year gap: Danish lawmaker
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/denmark-considering-military-submarines-after-almost-20-year-gap-danish-lawmaker/

Mogelijkheden voor een nieuwe onderzeeboot partner voor Nederland of zouden de Denen eerder gaan voor een samenwerking met de Duitsers en Noren? Of vallen ze terug op hun oude stijl boten voornamelijk geschikt voor de kustwateren waardoor de Zweden een goede partner kunnen worden.

Als de Denen weer hun OZB gaan optuigen, dan denk ik dat de type 212CD de meeste kans heeft, voor mijn gevoel.

[jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)]

Mogelijkheden voor een nieuwe onderzeeboot partner voor Nederland of zouden de Denen eerder gaan voor een samenwerking met de Duitsers en Noren? Of vallen ze terug op hun oude stijl boten voornamelijk geschikt voor de kustwateren waardoor de Zweden een goede partner kunnen worden.

Ze hebben een stevig overzees gebied, (Groenland) maar of een nieuwe geopolitieke realiteit de aanzet zal geven om hun oude manier van opereren bij herintroductie van onderzeeboten aan te passen van regionaal naar expeditionair is een goede vraag.

Ik zou pleiten voor ja, er zijn immers genoeg kustwaterboten in de regio en het worden er alleen maar meer nu ook Polen serieus werk lijkt te gaan maken om onderzeeboten te gaan vervangen.

De Noordpool regio en de GIUK gap staan weer nadrukkelijk op de Geopolitieke agenda.

[Parera]

Denmark considering military submarines after almost 20 year gap: Danish lawmaker
https://breakingdefense.com/2023/06/denmark-considering-military-submarines-after-almost-20-year-gap-danish-lawmaker/

Mogelijkheden voor een nieuwe onderzeeboot partner voor Nederland of zouden de Denen eerder gaan voor een samenwerking met de Duitsers en Noren? Of vallen ze terug op hun oude stijl boten voornamelijk geschikt voor de kustwateren waardoor de Zweden een goede partner kunnen worden.

[Parera]

Een interessante video over de Koreaanse onderzeeboot industrie, waar ook onze vWalrus genoemd word als een project waarvoor interesse is in de Koreaanse Industrie. Het gaat dan voornamelijk om de batterijen uit de Koreaanse industrie.

[Harald]

Buy more subs, urges Norwegian Defence Chief

The Norwegian Chief of Defence has recommended the Scandinavian country procure more submarines in a report to the government about the future shape of its armed forces.

Chief of Defence, Gen Eirik Kristoffersen, said Norway should procure six rather than four Type 212CD submarines, which he urged should take higher priority than procuring an increased number of new frigates.

In the report, Kristoffersen wrote: 'An increased number of submarines will double the operational availability.

'Submarines are difficult to detect in submerged state, and in the short and medium term, no technology has been identified that will challenge this.

'This strengthening will increase the armed forces' ability to deny an adversary freedom of operation and increase the ability to combat an adversary's maritime forces.'

https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/naval-warfare/buy-more-submarines-recommends-norways-defence-chief/

[pz]

Germany may build subs in India as Russian weapons supply slows

https://www.straitstimes.com/asia/south-asia/germany-may-build-subs-in-india-as-russian-weapons-supply-slows?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social-organic&utm_keyword=dlvr.it

NEW DELHI ? Germany and India are closing in on a deal to build diesel submarines in the South Asian country as Russia?s prolonged war in Ukraine pushes New Delhi to expand its sources of military hardware beyond its top supplier Moscow.
The marine arm of Germany?s Thyssenkrupp and India?s Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders are likely to jointly bid for an estimated US$5.2 billion (S$7 billion) project to build six submarines for the Indian navy, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The preliminary agreement or memorandum of understanding will be signed in the presence of German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius, who arrived in New Delhi on Tuesday for a two-day visit, German and Indian officials said.

Mr Pistorius told public broadcaster ARD that the submarine deal will be on the agenda when he visits Mumbai on Wednesday.
His role is to ?support and assist? the negotiations between German executives travelling with him and their Indian counterparts, he said in the television interview.
?This would be a big and important contract not only for German industry but also for India and the Indian-German strategic partnership,? Mr Pistorius said.
India?s Ministry of Defence and Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders did not respond to requests for comment.

A German Defence Ministry spokesman and a Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems representative declined to comment. 
The Kiel-based defence manufacturing giant had shown no interest in jointly manufacturing submarines in India when the tender was announced two years ago. Now with the war in Ukraine in its second year and China moving in lockstep with Russia on the war, the West and, in particular, Germany, are placing their bets on India becoming a bulwark against Beijing?s growing diplomatic and military assertiveness.
For the submarines, India has identified Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders and Larsen & Toubro to tie up with foreign defence majors to build the diesel attack submarines.
A key target for a partnership had been Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems, which is one of two submarine manufacturers globally to have air independent propulsion ? a technology that helps conventional submarines stay underwater for longer.
Also, Thyssenkrupp-made submarines were used in the past by the Indian navy, making them a far more compelling choice compared with others like South Korea?s Daewoo and Spain?s Navantia group.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz wants German and European defence companies to step up their efforts to supply New Delhi with modern military gear as a way to help Prime Minister Narendra Modi?s government wean off its dependence on Russia in the defence sector.
India has emerged as one of the swing states buying large quantities of discounted crude from Moscow while continuing to engage the US and its allies.

New Delhi has used a lingering border dispute with China to carry on buying weapons from Moscow ? its biggest supplier of military hardware though deliveries have stalled as Russia and India struggle to find a payment mechanism that does not violate US sanctions.

Submarines are a key need for New Delhi due to its ageing fleet. To effectively patrol the Indian Ocean, the Indian navy needs a minimum of 24 conventional submarines but currently has only 16. Of this fleet, aside from six recently built vessels, the rest are over 30 years old and likely to be decommissioned in the years to come. India, which is part of the so-called Quad grouping that includes Japan, the US and Australia, has been pushing for these countries and European allies to share technology to build submarines.
However, there has been a general reluctance to pass on technology, given India?s proximity to Russia and Mr Modi?s ?Make in India? policy to boost local manufacturing and create jobs.
BLOOMBERG