TKMS lands ‘massive’ €800 million deal to modernize German Navy’s subs

June 27, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

German defense giant TKMS has signed a landmark €800 million contract with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) to support the German Navy’s submarine fleet.

As informed, the contract, officially signed today in Koblenz, appoints TKMS as the prime contractor responsible for a decade-long modernization and support program for the German Navy’s fleet of six Type 212A submarines.

Under the agreement, the company will carry out extensive upgrades to core systems aboard the vessels, particularly focusing on the navigation and command-and-weapons control systems.

These enhancements will be concentrated on the four older submarines from the first batch of the Type 212A class.

TKMS: Design phase of German-Norwegian 212CD class submarines completed

Vessels

“The objective is to secure the technological superiority of the German submarine fleet over the long term, in order to meet future challenges in national and alliance defense in a targeted manner,” TKMS said in a social media post.

The order spans a total volume of more than €800 million and will have a term of ten years.

“This important service contract also strengthens our established and trusting cooperation with the German Navy in the area of maintenance. As a maritime powerhouse, we will utilize the full range of services offered by TKMS and contribute to the high operational availability and performance of the German submarine fleet with our many years of expertise,” Oliver Burkhard, CEO of TKMS, stated.

The Type 212A submarines are renowned for their air-independent propulsion system, which enables stealth operations over extended periods. Upgrading these platforms reinforces Germany’s strategic capabilities in NATO and beyond.