PARIS: The Netherlands is poised to announce the recipient of a lucrative contract to construct four submarines for its navy, with a consortium led by France’s Naval Group emerging as the frontrunner over German and Swedish competitors.
French state-owned Naval Group, in partnership with Dutch company Royal IHC, is competing against Germany’s Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems (TKMS) and Sweden’s Saab AB, which has joined forces with Dutch naval shipyard Damen.
The new submarines will replace the Netherlands’ aging Walrus class subs, with one already decommissioned last autumn to provide spare parts for the remaining three.
While Dutch media reports suggest the French-led consortium will be selected, the defense ministry has yet to confirm the decision, pending an announcement by State Secretary for Defense Christophe van der Maat.
The contract, valued between 4 to 6 billion euros, will require parliamentary approval, with efforts to expedite the process following recent political developments, including the formation of a “technocratic” government in the wake of last November’s election.
The chosen company will construct the submarines in Dutch shipyards, fostering industrial cooperation to bolster the country’s defense industry.
Naval Group’s proposed Barracuda model, featuring conventional diesel-electric propulsion, stands as a frontrunner, marking potential export success following Australia’s cancellation of a similar deal in favor of the AUKUS partnership.
TKMS and Saab offer competitive alternatives with extended versions of their submarine models, tailored for specific naval requirements.
The decision holds significant implications for both Dutch defense capabilities and the global submarine market, with the chosen contractor set to shape future naval developments.
