May 5, 2020, the Egyptian Navy received third Type 209/1400mod submarine “S43” from ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems’ (TKMS’s) yard in Germany.
The Submarine was handed has so far been handed over to the Egyptian Navy.
The launch and naming of the third Submarine “S43” took place in May 2019. The first submarine named S41 was handed over to the Egyptian Navy in December 2016 and the second Submarine named S42 was handed over in August 2017. The fourth is expected to be delivered in 2021 according to Egyptian Defense sources.
S43 arrived at the Alexandria Naval Base on Tuesday after traveling a distance of 7 800 kilometers, it was received by delegation from the Defense Ministry. According to the Egyptian Defense sources, the new submarine held exercises with several “friendly countries” on the way to Egypt.
The Egyptian Ministry of Defense (MoD) published a video showing the new submarine S43 (867) leading the other two Type 209/1400s and two Project 033 (Improved Romeo)-class submarines.
The deal for the acquisition of the first two Type 209/1400mod class submarines to Egypt was signed in 2011. In 2015, Egypt decided to take the option for two additional units of the most recent version of the Type 209 family.
Egyptian MoD noted that the new Type 209 submarine will be used to protect Egypt’s national security, protect its economic interests and ensure safe and free navigation of the Suez Canal and other regions. The vessels have a range of 11 000 nautical miles, a top speed of 21 knots and displacement of over 1 400 tonnes.
Egypt said the Type 209/1400s will be able to launch missiles and torpedoes. It is highly possible they will be fitted with Harpoon anti-ship missiles.
