Norway Shortlists DCNS, ThyssenKrupp for New Subs
Norway's Defence Minister Ine Eriksen Søreide of the Conservative Party made it clear that there would be no submarine deal with Sweden, according to the Norwegian newspaper Verdens Gang.
Instead, Norwegian defense officials have narrowed down their search to French and German maritime defense firms to replace Norway's Ula-class attack submarine fleet, says UPI report.
French firm Direction des Constructions Navels Services, or DCNS, and German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems "are the strongest candidates if Norway decides to procure new submarines," Norway's Ministry of Defense said in a statement.
Sweden's defense company Saab suffered a substantial setback in Norway, after a submarine tender was brushed off. Instead, the bid will go to one of Saab's French or German competitors.
DCNS and TKMS are the largest manufacturers of submarines in Western Europe. They have extensive experience in building advanced submarines and a large industrial capacity. The submarine designs offered by these two companies will be a good starting point for Norway’s future submarines.
DCNS sources said that the company was identified as one of the two potential candidates for the replacement of its submarine fleet. A historical partner of Norway, DCNS proposes the design of its Scorpene submarine as a possible option to replace the in-service Ula-class submarines of the Norwegian Navy. The Group benefits from the strong support of French authorities.
ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems of Germany is a group and holding company of providers of naval vessels, surface ships and submarines.
The winner of the deal will produce the replacement for Norway's current Ula-class submarine fleet. The first Ula-class sub entered the Norwegian fleet in 1989 and the last was christened in 1992.
