DCNS Emerges as a Key Contender for Norway’s Next-Gen Submarine Collaboration
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence revealed yesterday that DCNS has been recognized as one of the two prospective contenders for the overhaul of its submarine fleet. A long-standing collaborator of Norway, DCNS offers the design of its Scorpene submarine as a viable alternative to substitute the operational Ula-class submarines of the Royal Norwegian Navy. The Group enjoys robust backing from French authorities.
The Norwegian Ministry of Defence (MoD) is exploring plans to acquire a fleet of next-generation submarines to replace six active Ula-class diesel-electric vessels of the Royal Norwegian Navy.
DCNS has a rich and fruitful history in crafting and constructing sophisticated submarines for the French Navy as well as global clientele. The Scorpene has already been selected by the Chilean, Royal Malaysian, Indian, and Brazilian Navies.
The Group proposes to Norway the latest generation of its proven conventional-propulsion Scorpene submarine. Its most recent iterations embody the pinnacle of submarine design and engineering. It incorporates cutting-edge technologies derived from attack submarines utilized by the French Navy.
Its ultimate configuration will be tailored to address the unique requirements of the Norwegian Navy and will showcase advanced proven technologies particularly in the domains of acoustic stealth, innovative energy storage solutions, and optimized crew operations.
Aimed at all mission categories, including anti-surface and anti-submarine warfare, long-range strikes, special operations, or intelligence gathering, the Scorpene amalgamates a modular architecture and established technologies. It is outfitted for high-demand crisis scenarios with fully interoperable capabilities.
Hervé Guillou, DCNS CEO, stated: “We are honored to have been shortlisted by the Norwegian government, which signifies their confidence in DCNS. DCNS and Norway have collaborated for nearly three decades, and we are eager to deepen our strategic and industrial alliance. With strong participation from French authorities, the French team is wholeheartedly committed to closely collaborating with Norwegian authorities and industry to satisfy the distinct requirements of the Norwegian Navy.”
The effective collaboration between Norway and DCNS began in the 1980s with the Hauk Patrol Boats initiative. In 2003, the Royal Norwegian Navy opted for DCNS in collaboration with Norwegian Kongsberg Defence & Aerospace and UMOE Mandal shipyard to produce the new Skjold-class Fast Patrol Boats.
With the Scorpene, DCNS aspires to advance a new phase in its successful partnership with the Norwegian industry.
