The ambitions of the Egyptian Navy show no signs of slowing down. According to some African media reports, after significant investments in surface naval platforms, Egypt is now turning its attention to addressing its aging submarine fleet by replacing the obsolete ROMEO-class submarines. While France, Germany, and Italy have been the primary beneficiaries of Egypt’s naval procurement in recent years, the potential involvement of Asian contenders this time could shift Cairo’s naval strategy in new directions.

Egypt’s current fleet of 4 ROMEO-class submarines, originally Chinese-built Type 033 ES5A models, underwent a modernization program in the late 1980s carried out by the US company Tacoma Boatbuilding. This refit equipped the submarines with updated sonar systems, modern fire control systems, and the capability to launch UGM-84 HARPOON anti-ship missiles and Mk 37 torpedoes. To further enhance its submarine capabilities, Egypt also ordered 4 Type 209 submarines (non-AIP) from German ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) in 2011 and 2015. However, the Egyptian Navy has made no secret of its desire for larger, more modern platforms, such as a 4,500-tonne attack-class submarine. Following the collapse of the deal between French Naval Group and Australia, some European media outlets reported that Egypt expressed interest in acquiring conventionally powered BARRACUDA-class submarines from France, which had originally been intended for Australia.

Although Cairo has remained silent on these reports, it is evident that competition among various countries to supply Egypt with attack submarines featuring Air-Independent Propulsion (AIP) systems is now entering its final phase. Current contenders include an upgraded AIP-equipped version of the Type 209, the Navantia S-80, France's Naval Group with either the BARRACUDA or SCORPÈNE, and newcomers from Asia, such as South Korea's KSS-III DOSAN AHN CHANGHO-class and Japan's SORYU-class. Despite the technical qualities of these platforms, as in many other nations, the inclusion of a comprehensive Transfer of Technology (ToT) package is likely to play a decisive role in Egypt’s final decision.

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