The Netherlands is building four new submarines, marking a shift in naval procurement strategy.
In short: After years of debate over design, quantity, and domestic versus foreign production, the Royal Netherlands Navy has officially launched the Orka-class submarine program. By partnering with France’s Naval Group, the Dutch are replacing their aging Walrus-class fleet with advanced, versatile vessels designed for both shallow coastal and deep-ocean operations.
The journey to replace the Walrus-class submarines began in 2013, when the Dutch Ministry of Defence initiated the preparation process. For years, the project faced significant uncertainty regarding the required capabilities, the number of vessels, and the choice of shipyard. Because the RDM shipyard—the only Dutch facility historically capable of submarine construction—is no longer operational, the government had to look abroad. This decision sparked political tension, as some lawmakers preferred a domestic solution, while others debated whether to prioritize large, expeditionary vessels or smaller, cheaper diesel-electric alternatives.
By 2019, the government clarified its requirements, seeking four versatile, long-range, conventionally powered submarines. After a competitive tender process involving bidders like the Damen-Saab partnership and ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems, the French Naval Group was selected in March 2024. Their winning proposal is based on the Blacksword, a diesel-electric variant of the French Barracuda-class. The program officially commenced in September 2024 with the signing of the Delivery Agreement for the Replacement Netherlands Submarine Capability.
The Orka-class—comprising the Orka, Zwaardvis, Barracuda, and Tijgerhaai—will feature sophisticated technology, including a Thales sonar suite derived from French nuclear-powered Suffren-class submarines. In a significant move for NATO interoperability, the vessels will be the first conventional submarine fleet in the alliance to operate the F21 Mk2 heavyweight torpedo. To ensure domestic involvement, the Netherlands signed an industrial cooperation agreement worth approximately one billion euros, engaging various Dutch companies to supply modules, steel structures, and specialized systems like power distribution and refrigeration.
The project is currently scheduled for completion by 2035. While the selection of a foreign shipyard caused initial political backlash, the government has emphasized that the collaboration will foster long-term industrial partnerships. By integrating advanced sensors and weaponry, the Royal Netherlands Navy aims to maintain its niche capability to gather intelligence and operate effectively in diverse maritime environments, from coastal shallows to the deep ocean.
Opens the Intellect+ feed with this card first. Swipe up for the next one.
Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Orka-class submarine
- Also: Wikidata — Orka-class submarine · CC0
To cite this card, link to https://intellectplus.co.uk/app/places-orka-class-submarine.
How we source, check and correct cards: Editorial standards.
General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.
Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?
Related
More in Countries and other regions · More in Countries & Cities · Latest · A–Z · All topics
