L3Harris has partnered with ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems to build mast-raising equipment for the Type 212CD submarine—likely to enter service with the German and Norwegian navies in the early 2030s.

German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) has awarded two multimillion-dollar contracts to American defense firm L3Harris—reportedly to design and build submarine mast-raising equipment and associated electronic control units allowing the submarines to deploy and retract equipment for communications, surveillance, and navigation.

L3Harris announced the new contracts in a media release, writing that the award would support submarine modernization in Germany and Norway, TKMS’ two main customers. The release did not disclose the dollar values of each of the contracts, the number of systems ordered, or the delivery schedule. It also did not specify which submarine would receive the work. However, the fact that the release cites both Germany and Norway means it is most likely intended to augment TKMS’ Type 212CD submarine program, which is being sold to both the Royal Norwegian Navy and the Deutsche Marine.

The announcement marks another instance of close trans-Atlantic cooperation between American and European defense firms—a recurring pattern in recent years, as Russia-related anxiety spikes on the continent.

Modern Submarines Are More Complicated Than Ever Before

Throughout their history, submarines have used retractable masts to operate sensors and communications equipment out of the water while remaining mostly submerged—effectively poking an eye out while keeping the rest of the submarine hidden from prying eyes.

Traditionally, submarines relied on optical periscopes to observe the surface, but modern designs increasingly use optronic masts, which can incorporate cameras, infrared sensors, and other electronic equipment. In addition to their periscopes, submarines can deploy antennas and other equipment for navigation, communications, and electronic surveillance.

Crucially, for all these systems to extend and retract, the submarine needs reliable mast-raising mechanisms. Separately from these mechanisms, electronic control units manage the mast’s movements and integration with the submarine’s wider systems. Reliable operation is essential, because a single malfunction could interfere with everything from navigation to communications to intelligence collection.

About the Type 212CD Submarine

• Year Introduced: Not yet in service; first deliveries planned for the early 2030s.
• Number Built: 0 completed as of November 2026. Six initially ordered (two German, four Norwegian), with additional orders planned or placed.
• Length: ~240 ft (73 m)
• Beam (Width): ~33 ft (10 m)
• Displacement: 2,500 metric tons surfaced; exact operational displacement figures vary by source
• Propulsion: Diesel-electric propulsion, with hydrogen fuel-cell air-independent propulsion (AIP).
• Top Speed: Unknown; probably ~20 knots (23 mph, 37 km/h) submerged
• Range: Unknown
• Loadout: Six 533mm torpedo tubes; heavyweight torpedoes. Exact weapons configuration may vary by navy.
• Crew: ~30, varies based on navy

Developed by TKMS, the Type 212CD is an advanced conventional submarine intended to replace or supplement older vessels. The CD designation stands for Common Design, which reflects Germany and Norway’s effort to standardize equipment and improve interoperability. The new design builds on Germany’s 212A class, emphasizing acoustic discretion, underwater endurance, and advanced sensors. The Type 212 family uses air-independent propulsion technology, allowing submarines to remain submerged longer than conventional diesel-electric boats that rely solely on batteries.

From a strategic perspective, Germany and Norway both occupy important positions along NATO’s northern maritime approaches. Norway borders the Norwegian Sea (connecting the Arctic region to the North Atlantic), while Germany has a major naval interest in the Baltic Sea and the North Sea. The main concern here is Russian submarine activity. Modern conventional submarines, like the 212CD, can conduct surveillance while protecting maritime approaches and, if needed, threaten hostile surface ships or submarines. With relatively quiet operations, the 212CD is especially useful in contested coastal waters. In this function, reliable mast systems are vital, supporting missions that allow submarines to collect information and communicate while limiting exposure.

TKMS is one of Europe’s principal submarine manufacturers, while L3Harris supplies defense electronics and maritime technologies to military customers worldwide. The contract announcement illustrates how modern warships rely on equipment sourced from different industrial partners. While mast-raising equipment doesn’t generate headlines the same way torpedoes or propulsion systems might, it still performs essential functions. The L3Harris contract underscores the importance of dependable submarine technology as European navies work to modernize their submarine fleets.

About the Author: Harrison Kass

Harrison Kass is a writer and attorney focused on national security, technology, and political culture. His work has appeared in Tablet, City Journal, The Hill, The Spectator, and The Cipher Brief. He holds a JD from the University of Oregon and a master’s in Global & Joint Program Studies from NYU. More at harrisonkass.com.

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