Editing Ula-class submarine

{{Short description|Submarine type within the royal Norwegian navy}}
{{hatnote|For other submarines, see [[HNoMS Ula]]. "HNoMS Ula (S300)" redirects here; for another boat, see [[HNoMS Ula (1943)]].}}
{|{{Infobox ship begin}}
{{Infobox ship image
|Ship image=S304 Uthaug S305 Uredd Bergen 2009 2.JPG
|Ship caption=''Ula''-class submarines
}}
{{Infobox ship class overview
| National of origin:Germany|
|Name=''Ula'' class

|Operators={{navy|Norway}}
|Class before={{sclass|Kobben|submarine|4}}
|Class after=[[Type 212CD submarine|U212CD class]]
|Subclasses=
|Built range=1987–1992 (in Germany)
|In commission range=April 1989<ref name="HHH">{{cite book|title=Hvem Hva Hvor 1990 |isbn=82-516-1267-5 |publisher=[[Aftenposten]] |language=no|date=1989}}</ref> – present
|Total ships building=
|Total ships planned=
|Total ships completed=6
|Total ships cancelled=
|Total ships active=
|Total ships laid up=
|Total ships lost=
|Total ships retired=
|Total ships preserved=
}}
{{Infobox ship characteristics
|Hide header=
|Header caption=
|Ship type=[[Submarine]]
|Ship displacement=*Surface: 1,040 tons
*Submerged: 1,150 tons<!-- not sure which kind; leaving unlinked -->
|Ship length={{convert|59|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship beam={{convert|5.40|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship draught=
|Ship draft={{convert|4.60|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
|Ship propulsion=*[[Diesel-electric]]
*2 [[MTU Friedrichshafen|MTU]] 16V 396 diesel engines (970kW each)
*1 propeller. 1 Siemens Permasyn "silent" electric motor {{convert|2200|kW|hp|abbr=on}}.<ref name=globalsecurity>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/knm-ula-specs.htm |title=Ula (Type P6071) |publisher=GlobalSecurity.org |access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref>
|Ship speed=*Surface: {{convert|11|kn|lk=in}}
*Submerged: {{convert|23|kn}}
|Ship range={{convert|5,000|nmi|lk=in|abbr=on}} at {{convert|8|kn}}
|Ship endurance=
|Ship test depth={{convert|200|m|ft|abbr=on|0}}+<ref name=globalsecurity/>
|Ship complement=21<ref name=nt>{{cite web |url=http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/ula-class-submarines/ |title=Ula Class Submarines, Norway |publisher=naval-technology.com |access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref>
|Ship sensors=*[[Radar]]: [[Kelvin Hughes]] 1007 Surface Search
*[[Sonar]]: [[Atlas Elektronik]] CSU83
*[[Thomson-CSF|Thomson]] Sintra flank array 
|Ship EW=
|Ship armament=*8 bow {{convert|21|in|mm|abbr=on|0}} [[torpedo tube]]s
*14 [[Atlas Elektronik]] DM2A3 [[torpedo]]es
|Ship notes=Unit cost: 700,000,000 [[Norwegian krone|NOK]];<ref name="HHH"/>
}}
|}
[[File:The Norwegian ULA class submarine Utstein (KNM 302) participates in NATO exercise Odin-One.jpg|thumb|right|''Utstein'' participating in the exercise Odin-One in August 2003]]
[[File:SubmarineUla.jpg|thumb|right|An ''Ula''-class submarine near Bornholm Island, Baltic Sea in March 2007]]
The '''''Ula'' class''' is a [[Norway|Norwegian]] [[submarine]] type which was assembled in [[Germany]] in the late 1980s and early 1990s. The class, consisting of six vessels, is currently the only submarine type in service with the [[Royal Norwegian Navy]].

==History==
The ordering of a new Norwegian submersible design stemmed from a 1972 decision to modernise the Royal Norwegian Navy (RNoN) submarine flotilla, which then consisted of the aging {{sclass|Kobben|submarine|0}} submarines. The contract was signed on 30 September 1982 for six boats with [[Nordseewerke|Thyssen Nordseewerke]], [[Emden]]. An option for two more submarines was included in the original deal, however, it was never picked up.<ref name=conway>Gardiner & Chumbly, 1995. p.292</ref>

The construction of the vessels was an international project. The combat systems were made in Norway by [[Kongsberg Gruppen|Kongsberg]], the attack sonar is [[Germany|German]] and the flank sonars [[France|French]]. The hull sections were produced in Norway and assembled in Germany by Thyssen Nordseewerke. In Germany, the design is known as the ''U-Boot-Klasse 210''.

When commissioned, the ''Ula''s were the first Norwegian submarines to have enough bunks for the entire crew and a [[Bathing|shower]].<ref name="HHH"/>

The ''Ula''-class submarines are among the most silent and maneuverable submarines in the world. This, in combination with their relatively small size, makes them difficult to detect from surface vessels and ideal for operations in coastal areas. The ''Ula'' class is regarded as both the most effective and cost-effective weapons in the RNoN.{{citation needed|date=May 2016}}

==Ship history==
In 1989, while undergoing trials, ''Ula'' was damaged by a practice torpedo. In March 1991, ''Uredd'' was involved in an accident while docking. In February 1992, ''Uredd'' suffered a control room fire.<ref name=conway/>

In recent years, several submarines of the ''Ula'' class have been deployed in the [[Mediterranean Sea]] in support of the NATO [[Operation Active Endeavour]], where their intelligence-gathering ability surpassed expectations. Their operational availability proved to be highest of all ships taking part in the operation. This mission highlighted a need for better temperature regulation for crew comfort in warm waters. As a result, HNoMS ''Ula'' was "tropicalized" by the installation of new [[HVAC|cooling systems]], and two more of the class designated for "tropicalization".{{Citation needed|date=December 2024}}

==Modernisation==
During 2006-2008 the ''Ula'' class was slated for modernisation. Most notably, new communication equipment ([[TADIL-A|Link 11]]), new [[electronic warfare support measures]] and a periscope upgrade.<ref name="Modernization">{{cite web |title=Videreutvikling av ULA-klasse u-båter |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/nb/dokumentarkiv/Regjeringen-Bondevik-II/Forsvarsdepartementet/233255/234456/videreutvikling_av_ula-klasse_u-bater.html?id=234816 |date=12 October 2005 |publisher=Forsvarsdepartementet |language=no|access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> In May 2008, a contract for new sonars was signed, with the first submarine to have new sonar 21 months after that, and the last 52 months later.<ref name=nt/> Furthermore, Kongsberg was contracted in 2012 to upgrade the submarines' combat systems.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/Kongsberg-to-Upgrade-Norwegian-Submarine-Combat-Systems-07269/ |title=Kongsberg to Upgrade Norwegian Submarine Combat Systems |publisher=DefenseIndustryDaily.com |date=16 January 2012 |access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> The 2020 long-term defence plan envisages the ''Ula'' class being kept in service until replaced by the new Type 212CD submarines in around 2030.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Long Term Defence Plan 2020 |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/3a2d2a3cfb694aa3ab4c6cb5649448d4/long-term-defence-plan-norway-2020---english-summary.pdf |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=regjeringen.no}}</ref>

In September 2024 it was reported that the combat systems of the six Ula class submarines will be updated again by Kongsberg Defense and Aerospace.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.naval-technology.com/news/norwegian-ula-class-submarines-undergo-combat-system-upgrades/|title= Norwegian Ula-class submarines undergo combat system upgrades |author= John Hill |date=23 September 2024|website= Naval Technology}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.navaltoday.com/2024/09/23/kongsberg-to-upgrade-norways-ula-class-submarines/ |title= Kongsberg to upgrade Norway’s Ula-class submarines |author= Fatima Bahtić |date=23 September 2024|website= Naval Today}}</ref> The following month, in October 2024, it was also reported that Hensoldt had completed a critical design review for the modernisation of the six boats, which includes the installation of a new periscope and optronic mast systems.<ref>{{Cite web |url= https://www.naval-technology.com/news/hensoldt-norwegian-ula-class-submarines/ |title= Hensoldt completes CDR for Norwegian ULA class submarines |author= <!--not stated--> |date=15 October 2024|website= Naval Technology}}</ref>

==Replacement==
{{main|Type 212CD submarine}}
In 2012 the Norwegian MoD set 2014 as a deadline for deciding whether to further extend the operative life of the Ula class after their slated end-of-life in 2020, or to replace them with a new fleet.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.regjeringen.no/en/dep/fd/whats-new/News/2012/request-for-information-rfi-regarding-su.html?id=700164 |title=Request for Information (RFI) regarding submarine capability beyond 2020 has been forwarded to shipyards |publisher=Norwegian Ministry of Defence |date=16 November 2012 |access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> In December 2014, the Norwegian Ministry of Defence made the decision to begin the process of replacing the ''Ula''s. As part of that decision, the ''Ula''-class submarines would be kept in service for a further five years, but would not exceed 35 years total service as that would be too costly.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ula-tech-norways-next-submarine-fleet-07609/ |title=Norway Pursues New Procurement for Future Submarine Fleet |publisher=DefenseIndustryDaily.com |date=6 December 2014 |access-date=31 May 2015}}</ref> Given the delay in replacing the Ula-class, it was subsequently decided to further life-extend the Ula-class through the 2020s until a new class of submarines entered service.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017 |title=Future acquisitions for the Norwegian Defence Sector 2017–2025 |url=https://www.regjeringen.no/contentassets/f134b420fc8f4d4889aaa06b2400c08e/2017-04-07-u-faf-2017-2025-english---final.pdf |access-date=2023-07-27 |website=regjeringen.no}}</ref>

In 2016, two suppliers (DCNS and Thyssen Krupp) were shortlisted to provide competing options to replace the Ula-class boats. In February 2017, Thyssen Krupp was selected to provide four replacement submarines based on the [[Type 212]]-class for service entry in around 2030. A firm build contract had been anticipated in the first half of 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.defensenews.com/global/europe/2019/04/30/german-norwegian-officials-huddle-over-joint-submarine-program/|title = German, Norwegian officials huddle over joint submarine program|date = 30 April 2019}}</ref> However, as of the end of 2020, the contract had not yet been signed. In March 2021 it was indicated that an agreement had been reached between Norway and Germany to initiate the acquisition program, pending approval by the [[Bundestag]]. The contract was signed in July 2021 and construction of the first vessel began in September 2023.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://defbrief.com/2023/09/13/germany-norway-begin-construction-of-new-type-212cd-submarines/ |title=Germany, Norway begin construction of new Type 212CD submarines |website=Defense Brief |date=13 September 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2021/07/tkms-to-build-six-type-212cd-submarines-for-german-and-norwegian-navies/|title=TKMS to Build Six Type 212CD Submarines for German and Norwegian Navies|date=8 July 2021}}</ref> Delivery of the first boat to the Royal Norwegian Navy is anticipated in 2029.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://thebarentsobserver.com/en/security/2021/03/norways-new-subs-especially-designed-covert-shallow-water-operations|title = Norway's new subs especially designed for covert, shallow water operations| newspaper=The Independent Barents Observer }}</ref>

==Vessels==
Six submarines were delivered (1989–1992) to the RNoN. All are based at [[Haakonsvern]] in [[Bergen, Norway|Bergen]]. The boats are all named after places in Norway, with the exception of ''Uredd'' ("Fearless" in English), in honour of the World War II submarine {{HNoMS|Uredd|P-41}}. The [[ship prefix]] for RNoN vessels is KNM (''Kongelig Norsk Marine'', Royal Norwegian Navy), in English HNoMS (His Norwegian Majesty's Ship).

===Vessel list===

{| class="wikitable" 
|+''Ula'' class<ref name=Janes>Saunders, 2004. p.513</ref>
|-
!#
!Name
!Laid down
!Launched
!Commissioned
!Status
|-
|S 300
|HNoMS ''Ula''
|29 January 1987
|28 July 1988
|27 April 1989
|Active
|-
|S 301
|HNoMS ''Utsira''
|15 June 1990
|21 November 1991
|30 April 1992
|Active
|-
|S 302
|HNoMS ''Utstein''
|6 December 1989
|25 April 1991
|14 November 1991
|Active
|-
|S 303
|HNoMS ''Utvær''
|8 December 1988
|19 April 1990
|8 November 1990
|Active
|-
|S 304
|HNoMS ''Uthaug''
|15 June 1989
|18 October 1990
|7 May 1991
|Active
|-
|S 305
|HNoMS ''Uredd''
|23 June 1988
|22 September 1989
|3 May 1990
|Active
|}

==See also==
* {{sclass2|Viking|submarine|1}} - new Scandinavian submarine abandoned in 2004
* {{sclass|Blekinge|submarine|1}} - new Swedish submarine, successor to the Viking
*[[List of Royal Norwegian Navy ships]]
*[[List of submarine classes in service]]

==References==
===Citations===
{{reflist|20em}}

===Books===
*{{cite book|editor-last1=Gardiner |editor-first1=Robert |editor-last2=Chumbley |editor-first2=Stephen |editor-last3=Budzbon |editor-first3=Przemysław |date=1995 |title=Conway's All the World's Fighting Ships 1947-1995 |location=Annapolis, Maryland |publisher=Naval Institute Press |isbn=1-55750-132-7}}
*{{cite book|editor-last=Saunders |editor-first=Stephen |date=2004 |title=Jane's Fighting Ships, 2004-2005 |publisher=Jane's Information Group |isbn=0710626231}}

==Further reading==
*{{cite book |editor-last=Darman |editor-first=Peter |date=2004 |title=Twenty-first Century Submarines and Warships |series=Military Handbooks|location=Rochester |publisher=Grange Books |isbn=1-84013-678-2}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Ula class submarines}}
*[https://www.defencechronicles.eu/u-212-cd-the-next-norwegian-submarine-but-what-for/ U 212 CD, the next Norwegian submarine, yes but what for? (1/2)]
*[https://www.defencechronicles.eu/u-212-cd-the-next-norwegian-submarine-but-what-for-22/ U 212 CD, the next Norwegian submarine, yes but what for? (2/2)]
*[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/ula.htm GlobalSecurity.org datasheet about the ''Ula'' class] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091024053636/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/europe/ula.htm |date=2009-10-24 }}
*[http://www.heiszwolf.com/subs/m_ula/m_ula.html ''Ula'' model boat] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927014716/http://www.heiszwolf.com/subs/m_ula/m_ula.html |date=2011-09-27 }} dead link
*[http://www.nordseewerke.de/e/prod/ula.html Nordseewerke's page about the ''Ula'' class]
*{{in lang|no}} [https://web.archive.org/web/20041217120921/http://www.oblad.no/apps/pbcs.dll/artikkel?AID=%2F20030215%2FLORDAG%2F302140002 Østlandets Blad, "Fire dager i dypet"]
*[[Dagbladet]] articles about the class:
:{{in lang|no}} [http://www.dagbladet.no/nyheter/2005/10/18/446756.html "Oppdaterer ubåtene"]
:{{in lang|no}} [http://www.dagbladet.no/magasinet/2005/10/27/447673.html "Her tar den norske ubåten smuglerskipene"]
:{{in lang|no}} [http://www.dagbladet.no/magasinet/2005/11/17/449666.html "Hestehviskerne"]

{{Royal Norwegian Navy}}
{{Modern German submarines}}
{{Active naval ships of Norway}}

[[Category:Submarine classes]]
[[Category:Ula-class submarines| ]]
[[Category:Submarines of Norway| ]]
[[Category:Ships built in Emden]]
[[Category:Submarines of Germany]]