The Netherlands wants to retain its much-requested submarine capability within NATO and the EU.
Defense is at the start of what will probably be the largest equipment project of the coming years. State Secretary Christophe van der Maat informed the House of Representatives today that three prominent shipyards have submitted their offers for the delivery of four new submarines. The candidates in question are Naval Group, Saab Kockums and thyssenkrupp Marine Systems.
With the submission deadline reached today, the Ministry of Defense is now entering a crucial phase: the assessment of these tenders and the preparation for the final award. This trajectory is expected to conclude in the first quarter of 2024.
With regard to the package of requirements, the Netherlands wants to set specific requirements for the design in order to continue to deliver its distinctive capability within NATO. According to Van der Maat, the new submarines must also be suitable for launching long-range missiles.
It's not just about the boats themselves. Each of these shipyards has also submitted proposals to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy for an Industrial Cooperation Agreement (ICA). This initiative is aimed at strengthening the Dutch Defense Technological and Industrial Base (NLDTIB), and every winning yard is obliged to contribute to this. It is important to note that the assessment of the ICA proposals is separate from the Defense tender evaluation.
Submarines are an essential link in the defense chain of the armed forces and are considered to be some of the most effective weapon systems. Given the size and complexity of the project, it is expected to take another decade for the first two of these new boats to be operational. After all, they have to be designed, built and thoroughly tested from the start.
Until then, the Submarine Service will continue to operate with the current Walrus-class fleet. In the meantime, two of the four current boats are expected to be retired, with their parts contributing to the maintenance of the remaining fleet.
Photo: Ministry of Defense
