Naval Group To Deliver Four Submarines To The Netherlands

Today, Gijs Tuinman, Dutch State Secretary for Defence, and Pierre Eric Pommellet, CEO of Naval Group, signed the Delivery Agreement for the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability (RNSC) program. The ceremony was held at the DMI (Directie Materiële Instandhouding) in Den Helder. This decisive step marks the launching of the Orka-class program, following the signature of the Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA) between Naval Group and the Ministry of Economic Affairs.

The signature of the Delivery Agreement marks the start of the program for the replacement of the Walrus-class submarines currently operated by the Royal Netherlands Navy, following a thorough evaluation and bidding process conducted by the Materiel and IT Command (COMMIT) on behalf of the Netherlands Ministry of Defense.

Gijs Tuinman, Dutch State Secretary for Defense, stated: “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, Chairman and CEO of Naval Group added: “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.”

As part of the Barracuda family of submarines, this program strengthens the strategic capabilities of the Royal Netherlands Navy.

Jan Willem Hartman, Commander of COMMIT said: “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.”

The Orka-class program also aims at strengthening the Netherlands’ strategic autonomy, further deepening the existing cooperation between the Netherlands Ministry of Defense, the Netherlands Defense Industrial Base (NL-DTIB) and Naval Group for the coming decades.

To read more, visit Naval Group's website.