UPDATED: The three boats in the running to be the Netherlands' next submarine
Over the next decade, the Netherlands' submarine force will drop to two boats as the country retires ageing Walrus-class vessels (HNLMS Walrus pictured) and develop a successor class. (Photo: USN)
Three European shipyards remain in contention to build four new submarines for the Royal Netherlands Navy.
The Netherlands, on 16 November, requested quotes from three shipbuilders - Saab Kockums, Naval Group and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) - furthering its plans to buy a replacement for its Walrus-class boats.
The three companies are expected to submit bids in the summer of 2023, after which the Dutch MoD will analyse the offerings and select a yard to build the new boats.
The RfQ is a significant step forward for the programme. However, post-contract award, the Netherlands expects it will take around a decade before the first two submarines enter operations.
Two of the four in-service Walrus-class boats
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Naval Warfare
-
![UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships]()
UK upgrades threat detection systems on its Royal Navy warships
The news of the upgrade comes just a week after UK Royal Navy (RN) vessels escorted a Russian spy ship out of the English Channel.
-
![Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?]()
Was acquiring the Aiviq polar vessel the right choice for the US Coast Guard?
Previous structural and mechanical issues in the 20-plus year icebreaker might represent challenges for the service.
-
![Chinese Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate]()
Chinese Navy commissions first Type 054B frigate
The commissioning comes just two years after the modules for the hull were first seen – and the US is watching.
-
![Russian spy ship Yantar monitored in English Channel]()
Russian spy ship Yantar monitored in English Channel
The vessel returned just months after loitering over UK critical undersea infrastructure.
