Photos: German-made S-44 submarine arrives at Alexandria naval base to join Egyptian forces

CAIRO – 2 August 2021: The German-made 209/1400mod-class submarine S-44 arrived at the Alexandria naval base from the Port of Kiel to join the Egyptian naval forces, the Egyptian military spokesman said on Monday.

This step represents a reinforcement for the capabilities of the Egyptian naval forces, protection for the country’s economic resources in the Mediterranean and Red seas as well as the Suez Canal, the spokesman said in a statement.

The step also represents protection of naval security in a way that enhances security, stability and peace in the region, he added.

This comes in accordance with the predetermined timeframe, through which Egypt has received four submarines of the same type between 2017 and 2021 and in a way that reflects the cooperation relations between the Egyptian and German governments.

The acquisition of the S-44 and other similar submarines represents an unprecedented leap for the Egyptian Navy and contributes to raising its global rating, the statement added.

Ahmed Khaled, commander of the Naval Forces, stressed that the Navy continues its quest to possess the latest naval armament systems to remain committed to protecting the Egyptian coasts and economic interests.

 

In his speech during a celebration of the arrival of the submarine, Khaled extended thanks to the political leadership and the general command of the armed forces for the efforts made to modernize the armament of the armed forces and naval arsenal.

The diesel-electric submarine is equipped with advanced technologies and developed combat strength. It is prepared for the deployment to conduct maritime defense and conflict prevention operations.

The 62-meter-long submarine, with a capacity that can include up to 30 crew members, is also capable of conducting surveillance and intelligence-gathering activities.

The first was delivered in December 2016. The second was handed over in August 2017, while the third was launched in May 2019 and the fourth in 2021.