Q&A · 3:24:59-3:25:37

A better interwar submarine force for Norway

A fleet of roughly ten Lembit-style minelaying torpedo submarines would have suited interwar Norway better, while a modern force needs more than six boats for its coastline.

Question

What submarine would you have designed or procured for Norway?

Short answer

About ten Lembit-style dual-purpose boats in the 1930s; today, a good modern design but closer to twelve hulls than six.

Notes

For the 1930s, the recommended model is the Estonian Lembit concept: a compact boat able to combine torpedo attack with minelaying and operate with a small crew. A fleet of roughly ten ordered when Estonia selected the type would have been appropriate. For the present day, Norway's selected design is sound but the planned quantity is inadequate. The answer ties design and fleet size directly to the immense coast and the need for persistent presence.