Germany’s submarine-builder, Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft (HDW) is currently working on the delivery of type 209 diesel attack submarines to Turkey. The company delivered the first of two frigate vessels to the Turkish navy in 1970.
The largest Middle Eastern fleet is in Turkey with a total of 15 submarines. The most capable subs in the Turkish navy are five type 1400 Preveze-class submarines, an offset of HDW’s type 209 sub. They were built in Turkey with German assistance.
Earlier this year, Turkey and Germany signed a contract for $556 million to co-produce four Preveze-class subs for the Turkish Navy. The vessels are expected to join the navy between 2003 and 2006. The Turkish Navy has also shown interest in obtaining the type 212 to replace its aging Tang and Guppy-class subs.
HDW designs and builds submarines and naval surface vessels. In submarine construction, the HDW group supplies atmospheric air-independent transmission systems based on hydrogen fuel cell technology and the Stirling engine. — (menareport.com)
© 2002 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
