Egypt received the second out of four submarines, contracted to collect from Germany, on Tuesday in Kiel city port.
Egypt and Germany signed the contract to receive the German-made submarine Type 42, model 209, on December 12, 2011. The construction of the vessel, by the TKMS company in Kiel, Schleswig-Holstein, began March 7, 2012.
The ceremonious handover in Kiel port was attended by Navy Commander Ahmed Khaled Saeed, Vice Admiral Rainer Brinkmann, Deputy Chief of Staff of the German Navy, Federal Minister of Transport and Digital Infrastructure Alexander Dobrindt, and representatives of TKMS company.
The Egyptian flag was raised on the submarine and the Egyptian crew were deployed on deck.
Egypt says the new submarine will enhance the Egyptian Navy’s ability to protect the marine borders and economic interests in the Red and Mediterranean seas along with the Suez Canal, an international trade waterway, against threats in the region.
The new submarine is able to sail for 11,000 nautical miles, reaching a speed of 21 knots, according to a statement by the navy.
Its length ranges between 60:73 meters, its displacement is up to 1400 tons and it has the ability to fire rockets and torpedoes.
It is equipped with the latest navigation and communication systems and is considered a huge technological addition to the potential of the Egyptian naval forces, which will enhance its ability to protect Egypt’s national security, said the statement.
The submarine’s crew was trained in both Germany and Egypt.
“We are witnessing a new phase in the history of our naval forces and a new cycle of its development in of terms quantity and quality, to rank amid the world’s active navies,” said Navy Commander Ahmed Khaled Saeed.
Saeed said the Egyptian armed forces have recently adopted a comprehensive plan to develop the Navy by arming it and enhancing the capabilities of its personnel.
Edited Translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
