Naval Group Signs Contract for Four Submarines for the Netherlands

Our Bureau - : Oct 1, 2024 - : 2:30 pm

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Naval Group has formalised a contract to deliver four Barracuda Family expeditionary submarines to the Netherlands, as announced during a ceremony at the DMI (Directie Materiële Instandhouding) in Den Helder. The contract was signed by Gijs Tuinman, Dutch State Secretary for Defence, and Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, marking a significant milestone in the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) program.

This agreement initiates the Orka-class program, aimed at replacing the Royal Netherlands Navy's Walrus-class submarines. The decision follows a comprehensive evaluation and bidding process conducted by the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Defence.

Gijs Tuinman remarked, “With the signature of the delivery agreement, we officially confirm that the road to new submarines runs through France and the Netherlands. Through Naval Group, which has extensive experience in building submarines, but also through the Dutch maritime manufacturing industry, which has unique and specialized Knowledge.”

Pierre Eric Pommellet expressed his satisfaction with the contract, stating, “I am extremely pleased to be here today to sign this contract for the delivery of four expeditionary submarines to be operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy. Naval Group is honored to have been selected by one of NATO's most advanced submarine fleet operator, meeting demanding operational and technical requirements. This cooperation reflects the trust that the Netherlands Ministry of Defense places in our common expertise and our commitment to deliver on its requirements.”

The Barracuda-class submarines will enhance the strategic capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy. Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of COMMIT, noted, “A thorough procurement process has pointed the Orka-class by Naval Group out to be the best replacement for the Walrus-class submarines. The Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda and Tijgerhaai will give the Netherlands Submarine Service a head start in underwater warfare.”

In addition to improving operational capabilities, the Orka-class program aims to bolster the Netherlands’ strategic autonomy. This will deepen the existing collaboration between the Netherlands Ministry of Defence, the Netherlands Defence Industrial Base (NL-DTIB), and Naval Group for the coming decades. A crucial aspect of the RNSC program is its commitment to strategic autonomy, supported by an ambitious industrial cooperation plan formalised through the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) signed with the Ministry of Economic Affairs on 10 September 2024.

Under this agreement, Naval Group has committed to working with various key Dutch companies and knowledge institutes over the next twenty years. This partnership will leverage Naval Group’s network of Dutch partners to develop critical systems and components, ensuring that the Netherlands retains expertise and involvement throughout the submarine life cycle, centred around the DMI.

Participation in the submarine program presents a valuable opportunity for the Netherlands maritime cluster to extend its collaboration with Naval Group. The knowledge and experience gained will enable the Dutch industry to autonomously operate, maintain, and upgrade the submarines throughout their operational life, aligning with the Netherlands MOD's requirement for autonomy during the submarines' lifecycle.

Naval-group / Netherlands /

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