Netherlands selects Barracuda submarine as Australia looks on
An artist’s impression of the new Orka-class (Barracuda) SSKs alongside the Royal Netherlands Navy’s existing Walrus-class SSKs. This will form part of the transition for the RNLN to becoming a more expeditionary naval force. (Image: Naval Group)
With the Netherlands selecting the Barracuda design for its new Orka-class submarines, it will give Australia a chance to see what it could have had after it cancelled its conventional submarine (SSK) project based on Barracuda, opting instead for a nuclear-powered submarine (SSN).
The Dutch Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced on 15 March in a D-Letter to Parliament it had chosen the new conventionally powered Blacksword variant of the Barracuda submarine design from French shipbuilder Naval Group.
The D-Letter stated that Naval Group was the ‘clear winner’ in its Submarine Capability Replacement Programme (programma vervanging onderzeebootcapaciteit, VOZBT).
Naval Group beat rivals from Germany where TKMS offered the Type 212CD and Sweden where Saab Kockums put forward the C718 variant of its A26 Blekinge-class design. It was felt that the Barracuda offered the best product, price and level of risk that could meet the
Access this article and other Decisive Edge Newsletter news content with a free basic account
Create account
You will also get one free Premium News article each week
Already have an account? Log in
More from Decisive Edge Newsletter
-
![Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped]()
Typhoon remains “at heart of UK defence” despite claims production has stopped
BAE Systems Air business has reaffirmed its commitment to the Typhoon programme as union representatives from the company urge the UK government to order 24 Typhoon jets.
-
![Australia and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland]()
Australia and Singapore open expanded training area in Queensland
Australia and Singapore have expanded Queensland’s Shoalwater Bay Training Area (SWBTA), adding advanced facilities and technologies to support larger, longer joint military exercises under their ongoing strategic partnership.
-
![Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system]()
Switzerland selects AGM 155mm artillery system
The Swiss Army has selected the KNDS 155mm/52 Artillery Gun Module on the Piranha IV (10x10) to replace its aging M109 howitzers.
-
![British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four]()
British Army Strategic Training Partner bidders drop from seven to four
Three of the bidding consortia have dropped out of the competition to become STP for the British Army Collective Training Service.
-
![Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs]()
Bureaucratic syndrome holds back India’s AEW&Cs
If India is to remain competitive with its neighbouring powers, it still requires a definitive answer to its critical shortage of AEW&C systems.
-
![South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess]()
South Korean defence industry demonstrates its tech prowess
Shephard takes a deep dive into the latest developments in the South Korean defence sector as the country arms itself to deal with current and future threats.
