OVERVIEW: The S 318 Kobben [Type 207] is a diesel-electric submarine operated by the Royal Norwegian Navy. Originally designated as a Type 207, the *Kobben* class represents a significant chapter in Norway's submarine warfare capabilities.

DETAILS:
The *Kobben* class submarines, including S 318, were originally designed and built in West Germany during the 1960s. The design prioritized shallow-water operations common in the Baltic and Norwegian fjords. The *Kobben* design focused on a compact hull and relatively quiet operation for enhanced stealth in constricted littoral environments. Several nations operated this class. Norway acquired several boats, subsequently undergoing significant upgrades to extend their operational lifespan and enhance their combat effectiveness. S 318 was subject to modernization efforts in the late 1980s and early 1990s before re-entering service in 1992, with enhancements focused on sensor upgrades. The upgrade programme was intended to maintain their viability in the face of evolving ASW threats until a replacement platform could be procured.

The *Kobben* class primary mission roles were anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and anti-surface warfare (ASuW), with a secondary role in intelligence gathering. While not equipped for anti-air warfare (AAW), the *Kobben* class's stealth characteristics made it a difficult target for enemy aircraft. The *Kobben’s* small size also made it highly suitable for covert insertion and extraction of special operations forces in forward areas. S 318, following its 1992 refit, would have participated in exercises and patrols in the North Sea and Norwegian Sea, contributing to maritime security and surveillance.

The installation of the DBQS-21F sonar (likely the PSU 83 variant) provided an improved passive sonar capability for detecting and tracking enemy submarines. The Type 1007 navigation radar aided in surface navigation and situational awareness. The EDO 1525 is likely a variant of a passive ranging sonar, which when used in conjunction with the acoustic intercept system, would allow for improved target localization. The submarine periscopes, one optical and one equipped with low-light television (LLTV), enabled visual observation and target identification in both daylight and low-light conditions. The two 533mm torpedo tubes allowed for the employment of a variety of torpedoes against both surface and subsurface targets, giving the submarine a potent offensive capability. The generic ESM (Electronic Support Measures) suite provided the ability to detect and analyze radar emissions from enemy platforms, enhancing situational awareness and enabling electronic warfare support.

SPECIFICATION: Length: 47.2 m || Beam: 4.7 m || Draft: 3.8 m || Disp: 435 t

SENSORS: Generic ESM [Average] || Type 1007 || DBQS-21F [PSU 83] || Generic Acoustic Intercept || EDO 1525 || Generic Submarine Periscope, Optical || Generic Submarine Periscope, LLTV

ARMAMENT: 533mm TT || 533mm TT