Both boats will be built of non-magnetic steel and equipped with an air-independent propulsion system based on the fuel cell. The second batch of these submarines for the German Navy will be constructed according to the general design for the first four submarines. This design will be adapted to the future operational requirements of the German Navy.

In addition to expanded and improved surface and underwater sensor technology, the new submarines feature major innovations in the field of communications technology. This means that the submarines can be optimally deployed in network centric warfare. The delivery date for the two submarines is fixed for 2012 and 2013.

The contract between the consortium "ARGE 2. Los 212A" and the German Federal Office of Defence Technology and Procurement was signed on September 22, 2006. The "ARGE" consists of Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft and Nordseewerke, which both belong to the ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems shipyard alliance.

The first batch of these revolutionary fuel cell submarines is already in the service with the German Navy. The U34 was the fourth and last boat to be commissioned in May 2007.