The German navy got on Wednesday two conventionally-powered submarines, which military officials say are the most modern such ships currently in service.

Defense Minister Peter Struck said the vessels, which are Class 212 A submarines, were "a milestone" for the German navy and would expand Berlin's ability to carry out surveillance under water.

The vessels, 56 meters long with a crew of 27 each, are equipped with a state-of-the-art system converting water and oxygen into electricity that powers them to cruise under water for as long as three weeks, officials said.

Germany currently has 11 submarines on active duty based at Eckernfoerde on the Baltic Sea and will get two additional 212 As in the next two years.

Officials said that developing and building the four submarines was 1.4 billion euros (1.7 billion US dollars).

Source: Xinhua