The Netherlands has selected France’s Naval Group to build four attack submarines worth €5.65 billion, beating out Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems and Sweden’s Saab Kockums. Naval Group will deliver a conventionally powered Barracuda submarine to replace the Royal Netherlands Navy’s Walrus-class attack submarines.
The first two submarines must be delivered within 10 years of contract signing. Dutch industry will have a substantial role in the project. The choice of Naval Group faced criticism in parliament for potentially favoring French jobs over Dutch naval construction.
The Netherlands plans to replace its major naval combatants, including 20 surface vessels, with an investment of over €11 billion. The new submarines will have increased strike power and operational capabilities for missions worldwide.
The new submarines will be named Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda, and Tijgerhaai. Delivery of the first vessel is targeted for the third quarter of 2033, with the final one expected in the third quarter of 2037.
