Gabler signs trilateral framework agreement to support European submarine fleets

December 26, 2025, by Fatima Bahtić

Manufacturer of submarine technologies Gabler has expanded its European in-service support capabilities through a trilateral framework agreement covering German, Italian and Portuguese naval fleets.

The framework agreement was formally signed last week at the Liaison Office of Germany’s Federal Office for Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support of the Bundeswehr (BAAINBw) in Lahnstein, near Koblenz.

It builds on Gabler’s existing German Navy contract with BAAINBw, signed in June 2025. The agreement expands support services for the Italian Navy’s U212A-class submarines, continuing a partnership that began in 2016. For the first time, it also includes support for the Portuguese Navy’s 209PN-class submarines.

Covering both the modern U212A air-independent propulsion submarines and the 209PN diesel-electric class, the agreements address multiple operational submarine platforms within a coordinated support structure.

“This comprehensive contract extension represents a strategic milestone for Gabler in Europe,” said Thorsten Klemann, Regional Sales & Contract Manager at Gabler, who led the contract negotiations.

“Building on our nine-year partnership with the Italian Navy’s U212A fleet, we’re now extending that proven support model to include Portugal’s 209PN submarines. Combined with our German Navy contract signed earlier this year, we’re deepening our position as a trusted submarine support provider across multiple European NATO navies.”