Kobben-class
Summary
| Origin country | 🇳🇴 Norway |
| Category | Submarine |
| Subtype | Attack submarine |
| Manufacturer | Nordseewerke GmbH |
| Year commissioned | 1964 |
| Units | S322 TUMLEREN, S323 S/ELLEN, S324 SPRINGEREN |
Description
The Kobben class submarines, also identified as Type 207, are customized versions of the German Type 205 design, developed specifically for the Royal Norwegian Navy in the 1960s. A total of fifteen vessels were constructed, with later services extending to the Danish and Polish navies. These submarines were intended for coastal operations, fitting Norway's post-war naval strategy which moved away from large, ocean-going ships.
Origins of the Kobben class trace back to Norway's naval modernization efforts outlined in the Fleet plan of 1960. The Royal Norwegian Navy sought a submarine suitable for coastal defense and found the German Type 205 to be aligned with their needs. After testing and adaptation of a Type 201 submarine, the customized Type 207s were produced by Rheinstahl Nordseewerke GmbH in Emden, with deliveries spanning from 1964 to 1967.
During their service, six Kobben-class boats underwent significant modernization between 1985 to 1993, which included a 2-meter hull lengthening and advancements in sonar equipment. Noteworthy operational history includes the November 1972 episode where the HNoMS Sklinna was involved in a 14-day pursuit of what was believed to be a Whiskey-class submarine.
The Kobben class had a significant armament capability, although specifics are not detailed in the provided text. Norway decommissioned the class in 2001, transitioning to the newer Ula class, and subsequently transferred five modernized vessels to the Polish Navy, which were used until 2021. Denmark received four of these submarines in the period when their service in Norway ended; however, by 2005, the operational Danish submarines (known there as Tumleren class) were decommissioned.
In an international context, the Kobben class's deployment has been diverse. HDMS Sælen from Denmark notably served in the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Operating countries of the vessels have notably reduced over time, with Poland withdrawing its last two Kobben-class submarines, ORP Bielik and ORP Sęp, from service in 2021.
Technical specifications
| Kobben | |
|---|---|
| Displacement | 460 tons |
| Displacement submerged | 550 tons |
| Range | 7000 km |
| Crew | 24 members |
| Width | 4.7 m (15.4 ft) |
| Length | 47.2 m (154.9 ft) |
| Max. depth | 250 m (820.2 ft) |
| Propulsion | 2 MTU 12 diesels with a power of 1,700 hp each - 1 propeller |
| Armament | 8 533mm TLTs (14 torpedoes / missiles) |
| Maximum speed | 10 knots |
| Max. speed submerged | 18 knots |
Photo of Kobben class
Silhouette
