U34 – Class 212A Submarine Commissioned
Eckernförde, 05/03/2007.
U34 is the fourth submarine of the German Navy with air-independent propulsion and state-of-the-art command and weapons control system. Two more submarines will be delivered in the following years.
The fourth class 212A submarine was solemnly commissioned in Eckernförde on 3 May. The Commander in Chief of the German Fleet, Vice Admiral Hans-Joachim Stricker, handed over "U34" to the 1st submarine squadron. The commander, Lieutenant Alexander Koch, commissioned his submarine with the order "Hoist the flag and pennant!".
Numerous high-ranking guests from politics, the Bundeswehr and industry were present. Many guests form friendly armed forces, attending the events for the anniversary "100 Years of German Submarines", were also present during the commissioning.
The following day, U34 led the submarine parade during the festivities for the anniversary "100 Years of German Submarines" and showed diving maneuvers.
Intense and complex demonstrations as well as sea and operational tests had been carried out before the commissioning. The Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement, the German Navy and the shipyards were jointly responsible for the execution of the demonstrations and tests during which all those involved showed great commitment which was indispensible for a successful acceptance.
U34 is the fourth submarine of the German Navy with air-independent propulsion and state-of-the-art command and weapons control system. It can also employ high-performance heavyweight torpedoes. The submarine will contribute to intelligence collection, covert reconnaissance and to the transport of special forces. Together with other submarines of its class it will thus contribute to securing maritime spaces and lanes.
The go-ahead for the following years was given with the signature of the contract covering the design and construction of two class 212A submarines, 2nd lot, on 22 September 2006 at the Federal Office of Defense Technology and Procurement.
