Netherlands re-states goal of first new submarine in 2028

The Netherlands has reaffirmed its aim to have the first Walrus-class replacement submarine in service before the end of 2028, although it is no longer stiplulating that all four new boats should be in service before the end of 2031.

The RNLN's Walrus-class submarines are acknowledged by the Dutch government as a strategically important niche capability for both NATO and the European Union. (Netherlands MoD)

The replacement of the Royal Netherlands Navy's (RNLN's) four Walrus-class submarines, all of which were commissioned between 1990 and 1994, is the Netherlands Ministry of Defence's (MoD's) largest single acquisition in the current decade. France's Naval Group, Sweden's Saab Kockums, and German yard Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems were shortlisted in December 2019 to enter into competitive negotiation for the supply of replacement boats.

Presenting the so-called basic report to the Netherlands' House of Representatives on 28 May, the MoD said that dialogue continues with the three candidate shipbuilders. “If everything goes according to plan, this phase will last until the beginning of 2022,” said the report. “The final contract signing is expected to follow at the end of 2022 with the winning yard.“

While the Netherlands no longer has a sovereign capability for ‘whole boat' submarine design, engineering, and construction, the government's Defence Industry Strategy, published in November 2018, has attached significant importance to the involvement of Dutch companies in the build and maintenance of the new submarines.