1366Views 3Comments
First Egyptian Type 209/1400 Submarine launched in Germany
14 December 2015
By Bilal Khan
The first of four Type 209/1400 diesel-electric submarines (SSK) for the Egyptian Navy was recently launched by ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) of Germany. This submarine order was confirmed by Rear Admiral Osama Ahmed el-Gundi, the Chief of the Egyptian Navy, in August 2012; the acquisition is a part of a much wider effort by Egypt to build-up and heavily modernize its naval fleet.
The TKMS Type 209/1400 is amongst the heavier of the Type 209-series, weighing in at close to 1600 tons submerged. Equipped with as many as eight 533mm torpedo tubes capable of launching heavy torpedoes (for sinking ships and submarines) as well as anti-ship missiles (AShM).
It has not been confirmed if the Egyptian Type 209/1400s will be equipped with air-independent propulsion (AIP), which would enable for prolonged underwater usage without surfacing. However, given the nature of Egypt’s recent dealings, i.e. relatively low-key and impressive in terms of the technology being received, it is well within the realm of possibility.
Nonetheless, these submarines are a substantive leap from the Chinese-built Type 033-class SSKs currently in use with the Egyptian Navy.
These submarines will eventually join Egypt’s other naval acquisitions, i.e. the recent purchase of two Mistral-class helicopter carriers (originally meant for Russia), a FREMM-class multi-mission frigate and four Gowind 2500 corvettes/light frigates (with an option for two more).
This is a comprehensive set-up that offers Egypt solid offensive (via Type 209s) and expeditionary (via the Mistrals) capabilities, but heavily modernizes its general surface fleet as well (via the FREMM and Gowind).
3 Comments
by blabla bla
@jigsaww @saqrkh
Hey anything on China new Air craft carrier coming up in 2020 ? What do you think China will deploy its aircraft carrier post 2020 in Arabian sea in order to protect the Sea pact ?, Pakistani submarines along with China aircraft carrier would become a nice combination and will create a balance of power in the region .
by saqrkh
Would be nice to see that submarine deal inked 100% and joined by 6-8 new multi-mission frigates, at least.
by jigsaww
China hasn’t made its intentions clear with its aircraft deployment but its entirely possible to see Chinese navy stationed at Gwadar since it is leased to china for decades to come. The key is making CPEC a success. In any case, there will be definite presence of chinese warships and personnel at Gwadar in collaboration with Pakistan. It is a dual interest site. Pakistan anyway on its own needs to double its strength of naval assets with Gwadar naval base becoming operational.