The Egyptian Navy has received a third Type 209/1400 Mod class submarine from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS). The submarine was commissioned at a ceremony held on 3 May.
During the commissioning ceremony, the Commander-in-Chief of the Egyptian Navy, Vice Admiral Ahmed Khaled officially christened the Type 209 submarine “S43.”
Manufactured by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the Type-209 submarine is able to sail in a range of 11,000 nautical miles and a top speed of 21.5 knots. It is equipped with the latest navigation and communication systems and is considered a highly advanced model.
The contract for the delivery of the first two Type 209/1400mod class submarines to Egypt was signed in 2011. In 2015, Egypt decided to take the option for two additional units of the most recent version of the Type 209 family.
Dr Rolf Wirtz, CEO of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, said “This significant milestone in the construction programme for the Egyptian Navy is based on an open and trusting dialogue with our customer as well as the competence of our employees and suppliers. These are key factors on our successful way to become Europe’s most modern naval company.”
The first submarine, named S41, was handed over in December 2016 and the second submarine, named S42, in August 2017. The programme is planned to end with the handover of the fourth submarine in 2021.
The Egyptian military has said the new Type 209 submarine will be used to protect Egypt’s national security, protect its economic interests and ensure safe and free navigation of the Suez Canal and other regions. The vessels have a range of 11 000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots and displacement of over 1 400 tonnes.
Egypt said the Type 209/1400s will be able to launch missiles and torpedoes – it is believed they will be fitted with Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
The new Type 209s will most likely replace the Egyptian Navy’s four elderly Romeo class vessels delivered in 1983/84.
The average Type 209 has a crew of 30 and displaces 1 594 tons submerged. The type is 62 metres long with a 6.2-metre pressure hull diameter. It can dive to a maximum depth of 250 metres and is armed with eight torpedo tubes with 14 torpedoes. Speed is ten knots on the surface and 21 knots dived.