Post World War II

In the 1960's Germany (then West Germany) re-entered the submarine business. Because Germany was initially restricted to a 450 tonne displacement limit, the Bundesmarine focused on small coastal submarines to protect against the Soviet threat in the Baltic sea. The Germans sought to use advanced technologies to offset the small displacement with one of the first being amagnetic steel to protect against navel mines and MAD.

While the initial Type 201 was a failure due to hull cracking the subsequent Type 205, first commissioned in 1967, was a success with 12 being built for the German navy. To continue the U-Boat tradition and "brand name" the new boats received the classic U designation starting with the U1.

With the Danish government's purchase of two Type 205 boats the Germany government realized the potential for the submarine as an export commodity. Three of the improved Type 206 boats were sold to the Israeli Navy becoming the Gal class. The German Type 209 diesel-electric submarine was the most popular export-sales submarine in the world from the late 1960s into the first years of the 21st century. With a larger 1000-1500 tonne displacement the class was very customizable and has seen service with 14 Navies with 51 examples being built as of 2006.

HMAS Collins, a Collins-class diesel-electric guided missile (SSG) submarine

Germany has brought the U-Boat name into the 21st Century with the new Type 212. The 212 features an air-independent propulsion system utilizing hydrogen fuel cells. This system is safer than previous closed cycle diesel engines and steam turbines, cheaper than a nuclear reactor and quieter than both. The Type 212 is considered to be the quietest submarine in the world. While the Type 212 is also being purchased by Italy, the Type 214 has been designed as the follow-on export model and has been sold to Greece and South Korea.

In July 2006 Germany will commission its newest U-boat, the U34, a Type 212.

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