Poster submarine todaro class (212a)

Type 212 submarines are a class of anaerobic powered submarines, developed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft AG (HDW) for the German Navy, using polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells.

They can cruise at high speed with their diesel engine, or use their anaerobic system to stay in a dive for up to three weeks. This type of propulsion is also supposed to be particularly stealthy.

The Type 212 can operate in shallow depths (20 m), in particular thanks to the stern planes placed in an "X". It can thus be used for rescue operations or infiltration of commandos, by approaching sufficiently close to the coast.

Besides Germany, which has 6 units, it is used by other navies (notably Italy, and soon the Norwegian Navy)