Internationale ontwikkelingen op onderzeebootgebied.

[Parera]

Is de IRIS-T een goedkoper alternatief? Met gelijke capaciteiten

Straks hebben wij toch voor SHORAD zowel AMRAAM als IRIS-T toch?

De launchers zijn sowieso interessant als je kijkt naar modulair opbouwen voor trifics e.d.

[Harald]

De Duiters zijn ook ook bezig met een maritieme versie van de IRIS T voor bovenwaterschepen?

Is de IRIS-T een goedkoper alternatief? Met gelijke capaciteiten

Straks hebben wij toch voor SHORAD zowel AMRAAM als IRIS-T toch?

[Parera]

De Duiters zijn ook ook bezig met een maritieme versie van de IRIS T voor bovenwaterschepen?

Dat zou wel eens interessant kunnen zijn voor onze TRIFIC's of zelfs ook voor de toekomstige schepen (indien af te schieten vanuit Mk41 VLS of op een andere manier geplaatst).

[Ace1]

Luftverteidigungssystem IDAS für U-Boote – Fertigentwicklung könnte im kommenden Jahr starten
https://esut.de/2023/08/fachbeitraege/43559/luftverteidigungssystem-idas-fuer-u-boote-fertigentwicklung-koennte-im-kommenden-jahr-starten/

Sea-to-Air Guided Missile System for U212A (IDAS)
https://www.bundeswehr.de/en/organization/equipment/armaments-projects/sea-to-air-guided-missile-system-for-u212a-idas-

De Duiters zijn ook ook bezig met een maritieme versie van de IRIS T voor bovenwaterschepen?

[Harald]

Luftverteidigungssystem IDAS für U-Boote – Fertigentwicklung könnte im kommenden Jahr starten
https://esut.de/2023/08/fachbeitraege/43559/luftverteidigungssystem-idas-fuer-u-boote-fertigentwicklung-koennte-im-kommenden-jahr-starten/

Tot nu toe zijn onderzeeërs weerloos geweest tegen de dreiging van anti-onderzeeboothelikopters. Om hierin verandering te brengen, werken de twee Duitse bedrijven Diehl en thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (tkMS) al enkele jaren aan het IDAS-project (Interactive Defense and Attack System for Submarines) en hebben hiervoor het IDAS Consortium opgericht. Dit moet de onderzeeërbestuurders in staat stellen zich te verdedigen tegen aanvallen vanuit de lucht door middel van een geleide raket die onder water wordt gelanceerd.

Nadat er lange tijd nauwelijks publiekelijk iets over het project werd vernomen, werd het vorig jaar opgenomen in het economisch plan voor het speciale fonds van de Bundeswehr. De laatste versie van het businessplan voorziet erin dat de ontwikkeling van IDAS gefinancierd wordt uit het speciale fonds.

Volgens goed geïnformeerde kringen in de sector zullen de onderhandelingen over het contract voor de definitieve ontwikkeling van IDAS tussen de industrie en de publieke opdrachtgever waarschijnlijk dit jaar beginnen. alles verloopt zoals gepland

Sea-to-Air Guided Missile System for U212A (IDAS)
https://www.bundeswehr.de/en/organization/equipment/armaments-projects/sea-to-air-guided-missile-system-for-u212a-idas-

[Harald]

Navantia offers two S-80 Plus class submarines to Philippine Navy

According to information published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer on August 29, 2023, Spanish state-owned company Navantia has put forth a $1.7-billion proposal to the Philippine Navy to create a submarine fleet.

Guillermo Zamarripa, Navantia's representative, detailed that the proposition includes two S80 Isaac Peral class submarines, coupled with extensive crew training and a transfer of technology, supporting the Philippines' aim to self-produce defense requirements. Zamarripa emphasized Navantia's holistic approach, ensuring the Philippines receives a complete solution.

Notably, the Isaac Peral class submarines, part of Spain's naval assets, offer long-range capabilities, with an ability to remain submerged for up to three weeks.

Measuring 81 meters, these submarines can undertake a plethora of naval operations, from intelligence gathering to launching missiles like the American Tomahawk and Harpoon.

To accommodate these advanced submarines, a submarine base, equipped with all necessary infrastructure, is planned for Ormoc, Leyte. Ormoc was chosen for its strategic geographical location, low environmental risks, and close proximity to vital logistical hubs.

Navantia's comprehensive training program, resembling its facility in Spain, will utilize simulators, hands-on training, and the Spanish Navy's expertise. The Spanish Navy's involvement promises quality training and mentorship, ensuring the Philippines maximizes the potential of the submarines.

About the class

With a displacement of 2,965 tons (2,918 long tons) when submerged, she measures a significant 81.05 meters in length, 11.68 meters in beam, and has a draught of 7.3 meters.

This submarine is powered by a single-shaft Etanol-AIP propulsion system, three bio-ethanol engines each producing 1,200 kW, and a 3,500 kW electric motor.

An additional AIP fuel cell unit provides 300 kW, all seamlessly integrated with Vulkan coupling RATO-S G-561W, which can handle 280 kN·m of torque. The submarine can achieve speeds of 12 knots surfaced and 19 knots submerged, boasting an impressive range of 8,000 km.

She can remain submerged for 30 to 55 days and can dive up to 460 meters. Manned by a crew of 32, the submarine can additionally accommodate 8 troops, offering versatility in various maritime scenarios.

https://www.navyrecognition.com/index.php/naval-news/naval-news-archive/2023/august/13510-navantia-offers-two-s-80-plus-class-submarines-to-philippine-navy.html

[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.