Of course the Friday before the holidays is the day everyone decides to do things—why not? It’s been a very “German” week, and to cap off the TKMS partnership with Marmen, Hartpunkt is reporting on a new development that I feel we need to cover.
But first, let’s start off on a lighter note: we finally have some movement on the Common Heavyweight Torpedo (CHWT), the future primary armament of the Type 212CD! Here is the official announcement from TKMS:
TKMS and the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) today signed a framework agreement in Koblenz for the delivery of DM2A5 heavyweight torpedoes and associated equipment for the 212CD class submarines.
"This order is the largest torpedo order in our Group's history to date. It is a strategic success for TKMS and the ATLAS ELEKTRONIK segment and underscores our leading role in the development and delivery of advanced underwater technology. The DM2A5 heavyweight torpedoes will significantly enhance the capabilities of the 212CD class submarines and make an important contribution to the security of Germany and its partners," emphasizes Michael Ozegowski, Executive Vice President of the ATLAS ELEKTRONIK segment.
The DM2A5 heavyweight torpedoes were developed on the basis of Software Defined Defense (SDD). This enables a high degree of flexibility and rapid adaptation to new threats. The DM2A5 features a modular, battery-based electric propulsion system for high speed and long range with a low acoustic signature. Advanced digital sonar also enables deployment in multi-target scenarios and complex environments. The fiber optic connection to the carrier platform enables high data rates and ensures precise navigation and control.
The DM2A5 is a direct evolution of the current DM2A4 torpedo in service. If you remember from our earlier discussions on the Type 212CD’s munitions, you’ll recall the speculation that the future CHWT wouldn’t be a brand-new design, but rather a future evolution of the DM2A family. This is finally the confirmation of that.
Of course, we will need to wait a bit longer for more details on what this new evolution will look like, though the heavy focus seems to be on further developing the system’s digital architecture. Software Defined Defense (SDD) is a loose term, characterized by the shift from a hardware-centric approach to a modular, open architecture capable of rapid improvements and customization. It will also likely include some form of AI/Machine Learning integration—though time will tell.
Several countries are experimenting with “autonomous torpedoes” capable of operating not just as munitions, but as dedicated sensor platforms—not too dissimilar to aerial loitering munitions. The further miniaturization of battery systems has also opened the door for Li-Ion torpedoes, like the South Korean Tiger Shark, which promise increased range and endurance over traditional silver-zinc batteries.
It’s going to be interesting to watch the development, at the least, and it gives us a bit of a “feel-good” story before I drop the other news of the day because it’s... it’s something alright.
Remember a few weeks ago when we discussed TKMS potentially acquiring their sister yard, German Naval Yards? Solid move, makes sense—all seems fine. Of course, they weren’t the only interested party; Rheinmetall also reportedly had interest, as they’re getting into the shipbuilding game through the acquisition of Naval Vessels Lürssen.
Yet, a third party has appeared—as if they were a shark hearing a shipyard was available and sniffing the blood in the water. Our favorite masters of acquisition, Inocea Group, are also apparently interested in acquiring the yard.
That’s right. The proud owners of Davie, Helsinki, and now Sata and Gulf Copper have decided to throw their hands up and say, “Why not another?”
Of course, I shouldn’t be surprised. Why would I be? This is kind of their thing, and every gamble they’ve taken so far has magically worked out for them time and time again. So, of course—why not add a German yard to all this? Why not buy every yard? The madlads probably would if they could.
What would they do? I don’t know—GERFLO? Why not. I don’t pretend to understand them. The folks at Davie are very smart people; I like Alex, James, Jason, and all them. They’re also all one step away from being classed as insane and will pull the most random things at any given time—then try to tell you that it’s completely normal to take a semi-submersible vessel and slap some swappable modules on it like a goddamn Lego.
No, it’s you who is insane for thinking it can’t be done—and they have the whole two-minute video to prove it. By this point, I just accept whatever they do. I can’t stop them; you can’t either. The best we can do is sit back and watch the play.
And the play here? I don’t know, honestly. I don’t get the end goal. I’m sure they have some sort of ending to all this, but lord knows if I could figure it out on my own. You just gotta work with it and accept that no matter what Inocea does, the universe will reward them with contracts because they have memed and hyped their way into success. Well done, you absolute madlads.
Anywho, a quick news dump to end our friday. Do you guys enjoy these smaller ones? I like them. Not everything needs to be a 2000 word analysis in my book. Sometimes smaller, easy to digest updates are nice too. Let me know what you guys think!
These rapid fire acquisition all look nice as long as all the pieces fit and work, it's all glamourous and exciting till the bill need to get paid. Overextending and racking up debt has done in many a shooting star.
Are they planning an IPO or have a buyer (of them) in hand? 2026 will tell.