The European submarine manufacturing industry is accelerating its development
2024-11-15
Recently, European media have analyzed and predicted the development status and future prospects of the submarine manufacturing industry in major European countries, and introduced measures to expand the market share of European submarines in the international market, which has attracted attention from the outside world. The article states that the development path of the European submarine manufacturing industry has regional characteristics. After retiring its last combat capable conventional submarine in 1990, the United States did not construct any more conventional submarines. Several major European countries have long built both nuclear powered submarines and conventional submarines. For example, although the French Navy is equipped with nuclear submarines, it continues to build conventional submarines. In terms of specific projects, the French Navy Group is responsible for building the first ship of the attack type nuclear submarine, the Barracuda class, which has entered service in 2022. A total of six submarines will be built and are expected to be fully operational by 2030. In March of this year, the French Navy launched the construction of its first third-generation ballistic missile submarine, with a total of four to be built. At the same time, the French Navy Group has partnered with the Spanish Navantia Group to lead the research and development of the Scorpaean class conventional submarine, and to develop the Shortfin Barracuda class and Orca class conventional submarines based on the Barracuda class nuclear submarine. The European submarine manufacturing industry not only serves the naval needs of their respective countries, but also actively explores international markets. In this regard, the German company ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and its predecessors have shown outstanding performance. The 209 conventional submarine, produced since 1968, has now developed five versions of different tonnages and weapon systems specifically for export. So far, 71 submarines of this type have been sold to 14 countries, making it the most exported conventional submarine among Western countries. On this basis, the 212A submarine further developed by Germany is the world's first submarine to adopt fuel cell AIP (independent of aerodynamic propulsion) technology. It has been in service with the German Navy since 2004 and has exported four ships. In addition, based on 212A submarines, Germany has developed 214 submarines, which have been exported to Greece, South Korea, Türkiye and other countries. In August of this year, the latest 212CD conventional submarine project completed critical design review, with Germany and Norway planning to purchase 2 and 4 respectively. In promoting independent research and regional cooperation, the European submarine manufacturing industry has also made many attempts. For example, the submarines of the French Navy Group mainly adopt core technologies from local enterprises, such as Safran's electro-optical system, Thales' sonar and communication system, as well as atomic technology company's nuclear reactor, and are equipped with weapon systems from the European Missile Group; The submarine of ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, Germany, is equipped with battle management systems, sonar and torpedoes provided by its subsidiary Atlas, as well as the photoelectric system of the local enterprise Hensolt, the motor and AIP system of Siemens, while using the power system of Rolls Royce, UK; The Italian Fincantieri Group participated in the construction of the German Type 212 submarine. Analysts point out that the gradual retirement of old submarines, government support policies, and the leading advantage of diesel electric submarine technology jointly promote the further development of the European submarine manufacturing industry. The report from the UK's Institute for Strategic and International Studies points out that currently only about 1/4 of conventional submarines in the world have reached a modern level. Against the backdrop of ongoing global security turmoil, many countries are accelerating the modernization and renewal of their submarine forces. A research report by McKinsey&Company predicts that the annual growth rate of the conventional submarine market will remain around 3.6%, and the market size will reach 10.3 billion euros (approximately 11 billion US dollars) by 2033. At present, there are orders for 12 submarines from the Canadian Navy, 4 submarines from the Indonesian Navy, 4 submarines from the Polish Navy, and 3 submarines from the Argentine Navy, all of which are in the early stages of project approval and procurement research, providing opportunities for the European submarine manufacturing industry to expand its market. In addition to traditional submarine manufacturing countries such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom continuing to increase investment, many other European countries such as Italy and Sweden are also gradually improving their submarine construction capabilities. In order to gain an advantage in market competition, the European submarine manufacturing industry pays more attention to technological innovation, and has taken the lead in using AIP systems, X-type tail rudders and other technologies. In recent years, it has focused on the development of unmanned underwater equipment. At present, the UK has developed a whale super large unmanned underwater vehicle; Germany develops sea otter series unmanned underwater vehicles; On the basis of developing the Alister series of unmanned underwater vehicles, France has also developed a large unmanned underwater vehicle with a length exceeding 10 meters and a weight exceeding 10 tons; There is a multi mission hatch in the middle of the four torpedo tubes at the bow of the Swedish A26 submarine, which can launch underwater vehicles or unmanned reconnaissance submarines carrying up to 8 special operations personnel; The Italian Type 212 NFS submarine adopts a similar design, capable of launching small unmanned boats from torpedo tubes and attempting to set up a dedicated container for carrying large unmanned boats behind the command center enclosure. Analysts point out that due to factors such as the Nuclear Non Proliferation Treaty, conventional submarines are still the preferred choice for most countries in the world. With technological advantages, the European submarine manufacturing industry is expected to receive more international orders. It is worth noting that some countries that have received European technical assistance, such as South Korea and Türkiye, are using technology transfer and localization strategies to promote their "improved" submarine projects and compete for market share through lower prices and complete technology transfer, which also has a certain competitive relationship with the European submarine manufacturing industry. (New Society)
Edit：He ChengXi Responsible editor：Tang WanQi
Source：
Special statement: if the pictures and texts reproduced or quoted on this site infringe your legitimate rights and interests, please contact this site, and this site will correct and delete them in time. For copyright issues and website cooperation, please contact through outlook new era email：lwxsd@liaowanghn.com
Military
Recommended Reading Change it 
Home
